The Girl Who Had No Choice | 18+

"We have nothing but time"

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That evening, after returning to the Burrow, Indigo found herself wide awake, grappling with whether to visit Ron's room.

Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of emotions, dominated by the memory of her moment with Ron, stirring both excitement and confusion. She replayed the kiss repeatedly in her mind, recalling how he had held her and the warmth of his breath against her skin. It felt almost dreamlike yet undeniably real, leaving her exhilarated and anxious about what the future held for them.

As she stepped through the familiar door of the Burrow, the cozy ambiance enveloped her like a comforting embrace. The delightful scent of Mrs. Weasley's cooking wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter. While the atmosphere was inviting, the tension from the previous night lingered, casting a shadow over her thoughts.

Seeking clarity, Indigo quickly retreated to her room to gather her thoughts. Sitting on her bed, she stared at the wall, lost in contemplation. Should she confront Ron about what had happened? Was she ready to explore this new dynamic in their relationship? The uncertainty quickened her heartbeat, prompting her to pace the room, her fingers tangling in her hair.

Moments later, Ginny burst into her room, radiating excitement. "You have to tell me everything! You and Ron? That's a huge deal!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes. Indigo felt her cheeks flush as memories of their kiss flooded back, Ginny's enthusiasm amplifying her own emotions.

"Ginny, can you just... give me a minute?" Indigo replied, a blend of annoyance and amusement in her tone. "I'm trying to process everything."

Ginny plopped down beside her. "Okay, but you can't just leave me in suspense! What happened after I walked in?"

Indigo sighed, searching for the right words. "It just... happened so fast. One moment we were talking, and the next, he kissed me. It was amazing, but also terrifying. What if he regrets it?"

Ginny shook her head, her seriousness cutting through the air. "You know Ron. He's had feelings for you for ages. If he kissed you, it was because he wanted to. Just talk to him. He's probably just as confused as you are."

Taking a deep breath, Indigo nodded. "I suppose you're right. I just don't want to jeopardize what we have."

Before she could dwell on it further, Hermione knocked and entered, her face a mix of curiosity and concern. "Everything okay in here? I heard you two talking about Ron."

Indigo smiled faintly, grateful for her friends' support. "Just trying to sort things out."

As the three of them chatted, the atmosphere lightened. They shared stories and laughter, providing Indigo a momentary reprieve from her worries. Yet, beneath it all, the weight of her feelings for Ron remained, pressing heavily on her heart.

Later that evening, after dinner, Indigo found herself in the living room with the Weasley family. The warmth of their camaraderie filled the room, yet she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that hung in the air. When Ron finally walked in, her heart raced. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, an electric connection sparked between them, reigniting the memories of their kiss.

"Hey, can we talk?" Ron asked, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of nervousness.

Indigo's stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and anxiety. "Sure," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

They stepped outside into the garden, where the moonlight bathed everything in a soft glow. The crisp air and twinkling stars created a magical backdrop for their conversation. Ron shifted nervously, his hands tucked into his pockets as he gazed at her.

"I've been thinking about last night," he began, his eyes searching hers. "I didn't mean to surprise you, but it felt right in the moment."

Indigo's heart raced at his words. "I felt the same way, Ron. But what does it mean for us? I don't want things to become awkward."

He took a step closer, his expression earnest. "I don't want it to be awkward either. I've liked you for a long time, Indigo. Last night made me realize how much I care about you."

A wave of relief washed over her. "Really? I thought I was imagining things."

Ron chuckled softly. "No, it's real. I just... I don't want to mess it up. You mean a lot to me."

At that moment, the tension dissipated, replaced by clarity. They stood close, the distance between them shrinking as they leaned in, their lips meeting once more beneath the starlit sky. This kiss felt different—more assured, more promising.

As they pulled away, Indigo couldn't help but smile. "So, what happens next?"

Ron grinned back, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, for starters, I think we should take it slow. No more surprises, just... us."

Indigo nodded, feeling a sense of contentment settle within her. Together, they walked back inside hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing they could navigate this new chapter side by side.

As they re-entered the Burrow, Ron casually mentioned, "I know I was under the influence of a love potion," causing Indigo's cheeks to heat up. She instinctively scooted away from him. "Are you angry with me? It wasn't my fault; Fred and George—"

Indigo looked at Ron, her heart racing at his unexpected revelation. "wait, love potion?" she echoed, her voice barely a whisper. "So, you mean... you didn't really mean it?"

Ron quickly shook his head, his expression sincere. "No, that's not what I'm saying. Yes, I was under the potion's influence, but that moment we shared felt real to me. I didn't just kiss you because of the potion. It was more significant than that."

Indigo's mind whirled with mixed emotions. "It complicates things, Ron. If you were under the potion's influence, how can I trust that your feelings are genuine?"

He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Because even before the potion, I liked you. I was just too scared to admit it. The potion may have given me the push I needed, but the feelings were always there."

Indigo considered his words, feeling the weight of the situation. "What if you only felt this way because of the potion? What if this is just a phase?"

Ron ran a hand through his hair, clearly agitated. "I get it. It's a lot to process. But I promise you, I want to figure this out. I want to explore what we have, love potion or not."

Indigo felt a flicker of hope, but uncertainty still loomed. "And what if it doesn't work out? What if it ruins our friendship?"

Ron took a deep breath, his eyes softening. "Then we'll deal with it together. I value our friendship above all else, and I don't want to lose that. But I also don't want to ignore what's happening between us."

Indigo nodded slowly, contemplating his words. The connection they shared felt undeniable, yet the fear of potential heartbreak was daunting. "Okay," she finally replied, her voice steadying. "Let's take it slow. No pressure, just... see where things lead."

Ron smiled, relief washing over him. "That sounds perfect. Just us, figuring it out."

In that moment, the tension between them eased, and the moonlight seemed to shine a little brighter. Standing together in the garden, they felt the weight of their emotions while also embracing the excitement of what lay ahead. As they made their way back inside hand in hand, Indigo felt a sense of warmth and possibility envelop her.

Inside, the Burrow buzzed with laughter and the scent of Mrs. Weasley's cooking. The cozy atmosphere reminded Indigo of the comfort of family and friendship, yet her heart fluttered at the thought of what her relationship with Ron could become.

As they joined the rest of the Weasley family, Indigo couldn't resist stealing glances at Ron, observing how he interacted with his siblings. He remained the charming, slightly awkward boy she had always known, but now there was something deeper—a newfound intensity in his gaze that made her heart race.

Later that night, after the excitement had settled, Indigo lay in bed, replaying the events of the evening in her mind. The kiss, the conversation about the love potion, and the promise of exploring their relationship filled her with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

As sleep began to claim her, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was merely the beginning of something significant. Whatever unfolded next, she knew they would face it together, navigating the complexities of young love while cherishing the foundation of their enduring friendship.

...

The following day at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore announced that visitors would soon be arriving. "Who do you think will come?" Pansy asked Indigo while she prepared herself in front of the mirror. "Honestly, I don't care who it is," Indigo replied, her tone slightly defiant. Standing to showcase her outfit—messy hair reminiscent of her mother, goth-inspired makeup, knee-high boots, and a skirt paired with a jumper—she caught Pansy's eye. Indigo often adopted her mother's persona at school to feel closer to her.

With a grin, Pansy approached and applied black lipstick to Indigo. "There, now you look like your mother." Indigo smirked as they exited the dorm and made their way down the hall; classes were canceled for the day due to the impending visitors. She spotted a throng of students heading toward the side hall, where the school entrance was visible. "Come on, Pansy," she urged, pulling her along. Deep down, she felt a thrill of excitement watching the carriage soar through the sky, led by Hagrid.

Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Harry, his expression one of confusion. "Indigo? Is that you? I forgot you dress like that at school" he asked. Indigo chuckled at his surprise. "Yes, Potter, it's me. Just messing with you. What's up?" Harry smiled. "Well... damn, I forgot what I was going to say. It's fine; he should talk to you himself. He said something along the lines of 'don't tell anyone.'"

Turning to Ron, he called out, "Ron, I'm not your owl; you tell her." Indigo followed Harry's gaze, noticing him and Ron engaged in conversation. When Ron looked her way, a flutter of butterflies danced in her stomach.

"What!" She glared at him. Was that entire conversation they had for nothing? Why was he even talking about her? The way he regarded her as if he didn't recognize her stung, igniting a mix of hurt and anger. Without waiting for him to approach, she turned and marched away.

As Indigo stormed away, a whirlwind of emotions surged through her. Hurt and betrayal clawed at her heart; it felt as if the intimate moment they had shared had been trivialized. The laughter and chatter of her fellow students faded into the background, drowned out by the pounding of her pulse. How could Ron act as if nothing had happened between them? The contrast between their heartfelt conversation and his current demeanor felt like a betrayal.

Determined to escape the situation, she made her way towards the Hogwarts grounds, the chill in the air biting at her skin. She needed space to think, to process the confusion that had taken hold of her. As she walked, the sun began to break through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the grounds, but it did little to lift her spirits.

Sitting on a bench near the lake, Indigo stared at the water's surface, watching as ripples formed with each gust of wind. The serene beauty of the scene stood in stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. She couldn't shake the feeling that Ron's earlier admission about the love potion complicated everything. Did that mean their kiss was merely a product of enchantment rather than genuine feelings? Was their connection real, or merely a fleeting moment driven by external influences?

Moments later, Ginny found her, her presence a welcome distraction. "There you are! I was looking for you everywhere," she said, plopping down beside Indigo. "What's wrong? You looked like you were about to explode back there."

Indigo sighed, the weight of her emotions threatening to spill over. "It's just... Ron. He's acting like nothing happened. After everything we talked about, it feels like he's pretending. He told Harry to tell me don't tell anyone ABOUT WHAT US!? Gah I can't stand him sometimes."

Ginny frowned, her brow furrowing in concern. "You know how Ron can be. He's not the best with his feelings. Maybe he's just trying to process everything himself."

"But how can he act like he doesn't care?" Indigo replied, frustration creeping into her voice. "We had this incredible moment, and now he's treating me like some casual acquaintance."

"Maybe he's scared," Ginny suggested gently. "He likes you a lot, Indigo. Sometimes that can make things tricky. He might not know how to handle it."

Indigo nodded slowly, contemplating Ginny's words. "I just wish he would communicate. I don't want to overthink this, but I can't help it."

"Why don't you talk to him?" Ginny proposed. "Clear the air. It might help both of you."

Indigo hesitated. The thought of confronting Ron again filled her with anxiety. What if he didn't feel the same way anymore? What if the love potion had been the only reason he had kissed her? But deep down, she knew she couldn't continue to dwell in uncertainty.

"Okay, you're right," she finally said, determination creeping back into her tone. "I'll talk to him. I just need to figure out the right moment."

As they sat in the sun, Ginny offered comforting words, and Indigo began to feel a sense of resolve. She could no longer let her emotions control her; she needed to take charge of her feelings and confront the reality of her relationship with Ron.

With a new sense of purpose, Indigo felt ready to face Ron and the complexities of their budding relationship. Whatever the outcome, she knew that honesty and communication were key to navigating this new territory.

Later that day, the sting of Ron's words—"don't tell anyone"—echoed in Indigo's mind, making it difficult for her to summon the energy to leave her bed. She lay there, wrestling with her thoughts, until a sharp knock at her dorm door jolted her from her introspection.

"Who is it?" she called out, hurriedly slipping into her robes.

The door swung open to reveal Draco Malfoy, his expression unreadable. "What do you want?" she asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice as she continued to prepare.

"All students are required to gather in the Great Hall before classes," he recited softly, as if the announcement weighed heavily on him.

"Is that all, Draco?" she began to move past him when he called out, "Indigo!"

She halted, turning back to face him. There was an unusual sincerity in his voice. "I'm sorry I haven't been there for you lately; I've just been envious of how easily you make friends."

Surprised by his admission, Indigo felt a warmth spread through her. Without thinking, she stepped forward and embraced Draco tightly. He seemed startled for a moment but quickly reciprocated the hug, his arms wrapping around her in a way that felt comforting.

"That's all I wanted to hear, Draco," she smiled, pulling back to meet his gaze.

He rolled his eyes, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright, enough with the affection. Let's go, or we'll be late," he declared, taking her wrist and leading her out of the dormitory.

As they walked through the corridors, Indigo couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Draco. His presence was a welcome distraction from her turmoil regarding Ron. The hallways were filled with students, their chatter a lively backdrop that made it easier for her to push aside her worries.

"What do you think is going on in the Great Hall?" she asked, glancing sideways at Draco.

"Probably another one of Dumbledore's grand announcements," he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Or maybe they're finally revealing the new house-elf menu. Who knows?"

Indigo chuckled, appreciating his humor. "As long as it's entertaining, I'm all for it. I could use a break from the drama."

Draco nodded, his expression lightening. "Yeah, I get that. You have a lot on your plate lately."

They reached the Great Hall, and the atmosphere shifted as they stepped inside. The enchanted ceiling reflected a bright dark blue sky, casting a warm glow over the students who were already settling into their seats. Indigo felt a rush of anticipation as she looked around, her heart lifting at the sight of familiar faces.

Dumbledore stood at the front, his presence commanding attention. "Welcome, everyone! I have some exciting news regarding our upcoming events!"

As they sat at the table, Indigo scanned the room, her gaze landing on Ron. They locked eyes for a moment before quickly breaking contact as Dumbledore announced, "Students, we will soon welcome guests into our home." Draco noticed the tension between Indigo and Ron and leaned in to whisper, "What was that about?" Indigo tapped his hand to silence him. "Shh, I'll explain later." Dumbledore continued, introducing students from other schools. The first group was from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.

Indigo observed Ron's gaze wandering over the girls as they walked by, rolling her eyes in frustration. "For goodness' sake, have some class," she mumbled under her breath, hoping no one heard. But Draco caught her comment. "Bambi, are you jealous of Weasley checking out those girls?" he teased, using the nickname he had given her in childhood due to her clumsiness.

"Maybe..." she admitted, and he patted her back, grinning mischievously. "Don't worry; I'll help you make Weasley jealous. The Slytherins are throwing a party, and you can bring your band." Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Durmstrang students. Indigo recognized their teacher from old photographs with her mother. "Draco, do we know that man?" she inquired, pointing at the man whose long hair and annoyed expression looked familiar.

Draco shook his head, dismissing her question. "No, just ignore him. Are you coming to the party?" Indigo wondered why he brushed off her question. "Do I have a choice, Draco? And stop calling him Weasley; he has a name." He smirked. "Oh, Godric, you're in love with him, aren't you? And no, Bambi, you don't have a choice. If you stop calling me Dray, I won't call him Weasley." He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I refuse, so back off, Malfoy. Alright, I guess we're partying tonight," she replied softly, betraying a hint of nervousness.

Professor Dumbledore raised his voice to silence the students. "Attention, please!" he commanded, cutting through the murmurs. Leaning against a bronze statue, he declared, "Eternal glory... that awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament." The room buzzed with curiosity as he continued. "However, to achieve this, the student must survive three tasks." His tone grew dramatic, building suspense.

"Three extremely dangerous tasks," he added, resting his hand on the bronze item. "For this reason, the Ministry has decided to impose a new rule," he announced, glancing at a man with gray hair and a small mustache. Indigo exchanged puzzled looks with Draco as they focused on the front of the hall. "...We have the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation..." Dumbledore signaled before introducing "...Mr. Bartemius Crouch." As he finished, the enchanted ceiling began to storm.

Panic erupted in the hall as students screamed. Indigo clutched Draco's sleeve in fear until a sudden flash from someone's wand calmed the storm. All eyes turned to the front as a man with a brown jacket, a prosthetic leg, and a peculiar eye made his way to the podium. It felt as though he was staring directly at her, sending a shiver down her spine. Indigo tapped Draco's shoulder. "Draco, who is that man?" she asked anxiously. He replied softly, "Alastor Moody," his brows furrowed in concern.

Indigo swore she saw him sipping from a flask. Mr. Crouch approached the front of the hall. "After due consideration... the Ministry has decided that, for their own safety... no student under the age of 17 shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final." His announcement was met with uproar, and Indigo could hear the twins shouting, "THAT'S RUBBISH! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!" Confused, she felt lost, having no idea what the Triwizard Tournament entailed or its significance.

Dumbledore stepped aside for Barty. "SILENCE!" he bellowed, restoring order. As he revealed what was once a bronze item, it transformed into "The Goblet of Fire." The students marveled at the flickering blue flames within. "Anyone wishing to enter the tournament need only write their name on a piece of parchment and cast it into the flames before this hour on Thursday night," he warned gravely. "Do not take this lightly; if chosen, there is no turning back." As he concluded, Indigo felt a knot of unease in her stomach, sensing that something ominous was about to unfold, but she had no time to dwell on it with the party plans with her cousin on the horizon.