Unloveds learning love

The next two months passed smoothly for Sage. She gradually acclimated to Hogwarts—the noise of the bustling Great Hall, the endless corridors filled with students, and the thrum of magic in the air. Though she rarely initiated conversations, she began to feel more at ease, blending into her surroundings and finding comfort in the serene corners of the castle. Ron Weasley continued to shadow her, joining her at meals and lingering close. The uneasy feeling she once harbored toward him began to fade, but she was unaware of the subtle potion in her daily orange drink that manipulated her allegiance towards him, Ginny, Molly Weasley, Dumbledore, and even Professor Snape.

Sage found true comfort in the company of Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy. When Draco discovered her lack of knowledge about her parents and family history, he and Neville, with their rich pureblood heritage, took it upon themselves to educate her. Draco’s father, Lucius Malfoy, was a known Death Eater—a fact that Draco resented deeply. He feared returning home for Christmas, dreading the inevitable repercussions for being sorted into Gryffindor rather than Slytherin as his father had demanded. Yet, Draco spoke of his mother with reverence, describing her as the center of his world.

One afternoon, Draco explained to Sage that his mother, Narcissa, was a Black, just like Sage’s paternal grandmother. “That makes us cousins,” Draco had said with a small, tentative smile. He shared stories of Sirius Black, the “white sheep” of the family who had defied the darkness that tainted their lineage, though the betrayal attributed to him had scarred Narcissa deeply. Neville, on the other hand, revealed a more personal connection.

“Our mothers were friends,” Neville said one evening as they sat by the fire in the Gryffindor common room. “Your mum was my godmother, and mine was yours. I’m sorry I don’t remember them much. My parents were tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange—Narcissa’s sister.” His voice quivered slightly, but he pressed on. “I’m glad we know each other now.”

Sage felt warmth surge through her, a sense of connection that she’d never experienced before. Draco and Neville felt like older brothers, and she cherished the quiet solidarity between them. Draco, however, was careful not to show their bond publicly, wary of his father’s watchful eye and potential retribution.

Then there was Daniel Granger. Sage couldn’t quite place her feelings for him. Around him, she felt an odd mix of jittery excitement and lightness. He brought laughter and a strange sense of wholeness. The word “friend” felt foreign and fragile, but perhaps Daniel was becoming just that—even if she couldn’t quite voice it.

Halloween arrived with a somber chill in the air. Sage felt heavier than usual. Now that she knew more about her parents, her heart ached with grief for the loss of the people she barely knew but longed to. They were not the lay-abouts the Dursleys had mocked—they were courageous, talented, and beloved. Today marked the anniversary of their deaths, a day the wizarding world celebrated her survival while she mourned what she had lost.

Classes were a blur. Sage sat through her lessons in utter silence, unable to focus or cast a single spell. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick exchanged understanding glances, allowing her the space to grieve. In History of Magic, Sage did not even lift her head from her folded arms on the desk—a stark contrast to her usual attentiveness. Neville, noticing her uncharacteristic stillness, decided not to disturb her. Instead, he carefully took notes, determined to share them with her later.

When classes ended, Sage picked up her bag and walked out of the classroom without a word. Her steps echoed down the corridor as she moved toward an unknown destination, her heart as heavy as the shadows gathering in the corners of the castle.

Daniel's POV

Daniel Granger had quickly become the resident flirt of Hogwarts. His charm knew no bounds, and he even dared to call Professor McGonagall “Minnie,” much to her chagrin. Alongside his mischievous reputation, he had become the de facto prankster, working in cahoots with the Weasley twins. It was through them that he learned about the Marauder’s Map, a tool that allowed them to explore Hogwarts and break rules unnoticed. Despite his mischief, Daniel found true camaraderie in his unlikely trio with Draco and Neville. The glue that bonded them was the small, four-foot-three girl with large, soulful emerald eyes—Sage.

Daniel delighted in making Sage smile, watching her cheeks flush whenever he spoke. She was so cute, a word that echoed in his mind every time he saw her. On Halloween, however, Daniel noticed the shift in Sage’s demeanor. She seemed distant, lost in a world far removed from their playful banter. He tried to cheer her up, cracking jokes and making light conversation, but her responses were absent.

During Professor Flitwick’s lesson on the levitation charm, Sage didn’t even attempt the spell. She sat motionless, eyes fixed on her desk. After class, she slipped away quietly, leaving Daniel, Draco, and Neville exchanging worried looks.

“Where do you think she went?” Daniel asked, his usual grin replaced by a frown.

Draco shrugged. “Let’s check the grounds.”

The trio headed for the Quidditch pitch, but Sage wasn’t there. Neville suggested they ask Ron, who often trailed behind Sage like a shadow. The red-haired boy seemed just as clueless, and the search continued.

Fred and George Weasley appeared in the hallway, their identical grins mischievous as ever. Daniel and Ron stopped them. “Have you seen Sage?” Ron asked, worry evident in his voice.

The twins exchanged looks before replying in their signature synchronized manner. “Saw her near the Owlery.”

Before they could question the twins further, Fred and George pulled Ron aside, insisting they had urgent business with him. Daniel, Draco, and Neville hurried toward the Owlery, only to find it empty and disheveled with feathers and twigs scattered across the stone floor.

“She’s not here,” Draco muttered, frustration seeping into his voice.

Neville, the calmest of the trio, stepped out of the chaos and scanned the surroundings thoughtfully. “Wait here,” he said, before disappearing up the narrow staircase to the Astronomy Tower.

Moments later, he returned, eyes wide with relief. “I think she’s up there.”

They climbed the final set of steps, careful not to make noise. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Against this backdrop, they saw a tiny silhouette sitting by the wall. Sage sat with her legs folded, her head resting on her knees. Her wavy, reddish-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and beside her stood a snow-white owl, its feathers shimmering in the evening light as Sage gently stroked it. Every so often, they heard a small sniffle.

The boys exchanged glances, their hearts heavy with understanding. Daniel took a step forward, determined to be there for the girl who meant more to him than he could yet admit.

Daniel walked ahead, a playful smile on his face. “Hey there, green eyes,” he called softly. Sage startled, clutching the snowy owl, Hedwig, tightly against her chest. Her wide emerald eyes shimmered with the dying light of the setting sun, mirroring the confusion and surprise that had invaded her solitude.

Daniel, ever the charmer, continued without missing a beat. “Such beautiful scenery, and you didn’t invite us? The treachery!” He made a show of dramatically placing a hand over his heart as he sat down beside her, his easy presence a sharp contrast to the melancholy that clung to the air.

Draco and Neville exchanged a glance before moving to sit on Sage’s other side. Draco’s sharp features softened in the golden glow, and Neville’s gentle, earnest eyes reflected quiet concern. They all sat there, surrounded by the orange and purple hues of the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon. The boys started chattering, letting their conversation flow aimlessly—a web of familiar jokes, light-hearted teasing, and banter that created a bubble of warmth around Sage.

No one spoke directly to her, but each boy knew why she was there, why her usually composed face was now shadowed with unspoken grief. They respected her silence, offering their presence as a wordless comfort. The minutes stretched into an hour, and the sky transformed from vibrant fire to the deep indigo of early night.

Sage’s eyes began to burn, a telltale sign of the storm brewing inside her. Her chest tightened, constricting like iron bands. Breathing grew shallow and ragged, each inhalation a struggle. Her vision blurred as tears welled up, and before she could stop herself, she was moving—throwing herself into Daniel’s arms as if seeking shelter from a tempest only she could feel.

The dam broke. The first sob tore out of her chest, raw and keening, followed by another, then another, until the quiet tower was filled with the sound of her grief. She cried for her parents, for the hole in her heart, for the injustice of their absence, and for all the whys that haunted her.

“Why did they leave me? Why?” she choked out, her voice splintering with anguish. “Why did everything have to be this way? Why didn’t they take me too?” The words tumbled out between sobs, as if spilling the poison that had festered for years.

Daniel cradled her, one arm firmly around her tiny frame, his hand stroking her hair in a soothing rhythm. “It’s okay, Sage,” he whispered, his voice soft but steady, anchoring her to the present. “We’re here. We’re with you.”

Draco shifted closer, his usually composed face tight with emotion, and rested a hand on her back, rubbing gentle circles. “You’re not alone,” he said, his voice low, barely more than a murmur.

Neville reached out, his touch warm and grounding, lending silent solidarity. Hedwig, who had been watching with solemn eyes, cooed softly and ran her beak tenderly through Sage’s hair, a silent guardian offering her own comfort.

The three boys stayed with her as the stars emerged, holding her as her sobs gradually slowed to quiet hiccups, until only the occasional shudder passed through her small frame. And in that stillness, with the cool night air wrapping around them and the shared warmth of friendship keeping the darkness at bay, Sage felt, for the first time in her life, the unyielding strength of belonging.

After what felt like an eternity, Sage finally felt lighter. "I... I'm... sorry. I ruined your dress. You give it to me—I know how to wash and clean, I will make it all good. I’m sorry, I pro..."

Daniel cut her off mid-ramble. "No matter, midget. I have several, there's no problem, nothing happened." When Sage looked ready to protest, Daniel added more seriously, "Now, if we don't go to the feast, then you will be sorry! So much food, I love food. Come on, come on, I don't want to miss it," and started dragging Sage along with him. Draco and Neville followed behind, chuckling.

They were on the fourth floor when Ron came running toward them, huffing and puffing. "Troll! Troll in the castle! You weren’t at the feast—go to the dorms!" Just then, an awful stench filled the air.

Daniel and Ron both grabbed Sage’s arm and started running, with Draco and Neville alongside them. They turned and saw the troll, massive and menacing. It swung its club, and the tiles behind them shattered. Ron tripped, causing them all to tumble and scatter.

When Daniel stopped rolling, he found himself lying directly in front of the troll as it raised its club. His life flashed before his eyes. Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted and thrown to the side, slamming against a far wall.

Sage, having rolled to a stop, looked around and saw Daniel lying stunned. She screamed, "Wingardium Leviosa!" and sent him flying to safety, but her shout drew the troll's attention. It lifted its club again, and Sage crouched into a ball, bracing herself. The club came down with a gong-like crash, but she saw a shimmering blue dome appear around her. The force of the impact rebounded, disorienting the troll and causing it to stumble backward. It crashed through the railing and fell four stories down, landing with a tremendous thud.

The blue shield flickered and disappeared. Daniel reached Sage first, followed by Neville, Draco, and finally Ron. They all crowded around her, checking if she was okay. Moments later, the professors arrived, looking aghast at the scene. Points were awarded and deducted, and they were sent back to their dorms.

Ron put a reassuring arm around Sage as she wobbled, guiding her away.

From that day forward, they were friends—fighting a troll together does that to people.