Hello You

Corrine Knight grew up in Manchester, she hated everything about Manchester. Her catholic primary school, the meat shop around the corner from her house, and the goddam stares from the neighbors. Both of her parents were born here and grew up here but still every time they went to shop, people acted as if her mother were actually speaking another language.

It pissed her off.

Corrine had always been smarter than her peers, it made her arrogant- but she didn’t care. When students were praised for being mediocre, she was pushing herself more and more. In prayer – she would train her memory while everyone had their eyes closed. She wasn’t very popular with other kids, but that’s because she truly thought she was better than them. Corrine believed she was more mature than the average 10 yr. old and focused on her future; she was going to be the youngest girl ever to graduate from Oxford with a full ride. Then, once she had graduated at 15, she would travel the world continuing her education and seeing everything, never to return to boring, annoying Manchester.

Sadly, as ambitious, and ‘realistic’ this dream was, Corrine had to abandon it because on her 11th birthday she received a letter from Professor Dumbledore.

Corrine Knight was a witch and apparently her father was a wizard. When thinking back on it she never really noticed how strange things were around her, that her father didn’t know how to drive- or that she was forbidden from being too close to the fireplace. A portal to another world? Supposedly her father went through every day while her mother walked her to school.

After the letter was explained, Corrine told her parents that she would attend Hogwarts if she must and then trotted into the next room where she broke into a huge grin. A chance to leave Manchester? She would take it no doubt.

Her father had answered any questions she had while they were in Diagon alley, he had told her about Hogwarts, quidditch and wizard society.

“And you work at the ministry?” Corrine asked as her father guided her through the busy shopping district.

“Yes, and maybe one day you will work with me.” He smiled down at her as they entered a bookshop.

Corrine had a new dream, to be the youngest person to graduate from Hogwarts and to work with her father. Again, a silly dream from a young girl but she truly believed in it.

Corrine was happy with her placement into Ravenclaw, that was her father’s house and she felt like she was following in his footsteps in a way. The girls in her dorm were still 11 yr old girls so she didn’t talk to them- but they didn’t really want to talk to her either. Corrine wasn’t hurt by it she had a mission; a goal and they were just not on her level.

The outcasted Ravenclaw had made a reputation for herself, and no one in her year really socialized with her.

She didn’t care she told herself, although it did sting when people would move away from her at dinner.

It was a month into the term when all first years were brought outside for flying lessons, Corrine was excited since her father had practiced with her. He had been a seeker in his years at Hogwarts.

So, she stood in line as Madam Hooch laid brooms in front of every student very slowly, looking to her left she saw 2 boys in Slytherin robes playfully shoving each other. The idea of being accidentally pushed irritated her so much she slid closer to the right where a girl in Hufflepuff robes was standing. She gave Corrine a smile, but Corrine looked away.

Once instructions were given and everyone was practicing, Corrine was ready to fly.

‘How boring.’ She sighed and looked back to the girl who still was unable to summon the broom. She looked over curiously and heard her whispering to herself.

“Up. UP! up.. please?” the Hufflepuff repeated softly with her hand stretched out. Corrine blew air out her mouth and shuffled closer.

“You need to command it. Be firmer.” Corrine tried to say in a helpful tone but knew it came out as a lecturing one.

“Oh- um okay – up”

“Speak louder.”

“Up”

“Focus, and louder.”

“UP!” The broom smacked into the Hufflepuff hand as she grasped it. The girl turned towards Corrine with a big smile and began to jump in place.

“Oh! Thank you! I was worried the teacher would have to help.. and that would be so embarrassing...” the Hufflepuff trailed off underneath Corrine’s blank stare.

She didn’t expect the next day in the library for the same girl to approach her.

“Uh Coral..?” She questioned in an unsure tone.

“Corrine.” She replied tightly. Coral? Who is named that?

“I’m sorry.. can I sit with you?” Hufflepuff asked but just sat anyways, Corrine shuffled away to make room for her and kept working.

“My names Aine.” Aine whispered as she pulled out a bag full of pens and highlighters. The bright colors caused Corrine’s eyes to shift.

“Were you raised muggle too?” Corrine spoke softly to not offend, she noticed Aine stiffen slightly but she kept working.

“Um yea, I mean I didn’t even know about this until my brother- and then we were surprised I had magic too.” Aine explained.

“Surprised? Your parents didn’t explain it to you after your brother?” Corrine face scrunched up in curiosity and sat up straighter.

“Oh, my parents, they can’t do magic. Just me and Connell.” Aine finalized with a nervous smile.

“oh”

“Is that a problem?”

“Why would it be?”

Corrine liked Aine a lot, it was hard not to in her opinion. She was nice, a good listener and very funny- she didn’t even realize how fun it is to just sit and talk to someone. Aine and her could talk for hours about everything, Corrine was surprised at how quickly she opened to her. Aine even took most meals with her, and constantly invited her to sit at Hufflepuff. It was how she met most of her social group including Jameson who also surprised her with his wit and humor. The trio was born, any moment they could they were together, when the term changed, and classes switched Corrine found herself sitting with them so much as she could. Although Aine wasn’t the strongest student, she was not irritated if it was her other peers- Jameson on the other hand became her first academic rival, he could easily keep up with her pace in classes and love to challenge her as well.

Everything was perfect, she was so happy.

Until the summer after second year.

Corrine basically sprouted like a beanstalk and grew a whole foot over the summer. This made her the tallest girl in 3rd year- she even towered over Jameson. With her changing body came hormones and feelings- ones she rarely understood which made her more likely to snap on the unsuspecting student body. Jameson had gotten taller also and grew out his curly hair, he had worn it pushed back with a headband and his skin had gotten tanner claiming he had travel during the summer. Aine didn’t get much taller bur matured in other areas- making her one of the handful of girls that had gotten somewhat developed. She didn’t even care or acted like she didn’t she was more excited about how long Corrine hair had grown and was telling her admired her height and perfect posture.

“And you're so smart too! It's like having my very own Athena!” Aine hugged her closely as Corrine responded, how could you hate something like that from someone like her.

If Corrine was Athena, then Aine could be Hestia

The first problem was Cedric Diggory, he was an older boy who had taken notice of Aine and began popping up all over the place. Corrine felt disgusted by his presence, felt like whenever he talked it sounded fake- even Jameson didn’t care for him. But since Aine is so nice... His overwhelming presence had caused Corrine to verbally assault him by the black lake, and she actually felt bad because she didn’t know what Aine felt about the boy but afterwards Aine just smiled at her and said its okay. Cedric learned not to hang around anymore which made Corrine relax but he would still pull her away to talk for ‘just a minute’ and it made her angry because he didn’t know Aine like she did! Corrine loved Aine for Aine, Cedric liked Aine because of her ass.

The second problem was Marie Ghannon – Corrine’s dormmate for the last 2 years, they disliked each other very strongly. Maybe Corrine was rude to her, but it wasn’t her fault that Marie was a boring, idiotic immature, annoying bitch but she really should’ve kept it to herself or tried too. It had been the night after Mrs. Norris was discovered by harry potter, when the chamber opened. They had all been ushered back to their dorms leaving her trapped with her insufferable roommates as they gossiped.

“I mean the only people who should be worried are mud bloods, my gran-“Marie began

“don’t be stupid. Everyone is danger.” Corrine cut her off with an acidic tone.

“Ugh please don’t speak to me BORinne and Its rude to just join a conversation.” Marie glared at her. Corrine scoffed and stood up; the name wasn’t a new thing, but she had lit a flame around a petrol station.

“I may be a bore, but at least I’m not a racist bitch. At least I can pass potions without crying to Flitwick to talk to snape and at least I have a personality.” The last bit caused Marie to stand also, another girl tried to stop her, but Marie wasn’t having it.

“You think you’re better than us because you think you’re smarter- “Marie stalked closer.

“I am smarter. Smarter than everyone” Corrine rolled her eyes.

“HA! But you’re arrogant! And you think that everyone should take shit from you.” Marie raised her arms and gave Corrine a shove causing her to stumble. “But let me tell you something – no one wants to be around that for long.”

“Marie-“their roommate stepped closer, but Corrine shoved her off.

“And what do you mean by that?” Corrine glared ready to claw her eyes out.

“That you’re absolutely incorrigible. That being around you is exhausting. I cannot fathom how Murphy and Roberts even bear with your presence! And I will celebrate the day they realize too that you’re not worth the friendship.” Marie had paced in a circle stopping in front of Corrine “That people like you “she was squinting her eyes at her now “deserve the bitter loneliness.” Marie finished with a smirk; Corrine had no response.

Marie scoffed at it and bumped her shoulder as she stormed out of the dormitory, the other 2 girls following her leaving Corrine alone.

Admittedly that declaration had hurt Corrine but only because a small part of her knew it was true. She knew she was hard to be around and would see the flashes of hurt on Jameson and Aine’s faces when she would say something harsh. She wondered how long? How long until Aine no longer smiled at her? Until Jameson averted her eyes? Until she eats alone again? Which made the third problem Corrinne herself.

“Corrine? You okay in there?” Aine called out from outside the bathroom stall. All students were required to walk in pairs when going anywhere in the castle. On the way to the great hall, Aine and Corrine decided to use the toilet.

“Uh yeah – sorry... nervous tummy.” Corrine cringed out as she awkwardly flushed the toilet and stepped out to wash her hands.

“Oh no.. should we goto Pomfrey instead?” Aine had leaned next to her with a concerned look. Corrinne shook her head ‘no’ and began to scrub under her nails. Aine gave her a smile as if to say ‘take your time’ but Corrine had a feeling that she was excited for something?

“Why are you so giddy?” Corrine asked watching Aine’s reflection in the mirror- she made an embarrassed smile and stepped closer.

“I have some really cracking news…” Aine lowered her voice as if someone was secretly listening “Cedric asked me to Hogsmeade!”

Corrine felt her blood run cold, and her heartbeat faster, she couldn’t hide the shock on her face.

“What? And you said yes?” Corinne choked out spinning towards Aine.

“I did! he's really sweet if you get to know him- “

“What about Jameson and I? we were all supposed to go together.” Corrine cut her off but what she really wanted to ask was ‘what about me?’

“I mean James said that you guys can just go with Theo..” Corrine closed her eyes as she felt her face heat up as Aine droned on. Why was she doing this? This wasn’t like Aine... She knew how excited Corrine was to go together. She wouldn’t betray her like that!

“You don’t have to go with Cedric. If he's being pushy, I'll go tell him no.” Corrine cut her off and began stalking towards the door.

“Whoa- no! he's not being pushy- I wanna go!” Aine scurried towards her, grabbing her hand stopping Corrine in her tracks.

“What?”

“I told him I wanna go..”

“…. why?”

“It just seemed fun…He’s really nice and I think I lik-“Corrine who had her back turned this whole time spun around in anger and glared at Aine. In that moment, she wasn’t Aine the sweet girl who Corrine thought was her best friend. No, she was just another daft girl falling for some basic guy's charms, she was being abandoned for Cedric. Aine was picking Cedric over her, and it hurt, Corrine suddenly remembered Marie’s words and decided that Aine needed to hurt too.

“You are so stupid! He’s not ‘really nice’! He just wants to touch your tits!” Corrine screamed at her. Aine face turned into one of shock as she embarrassingly covered her chest.

“I cant believe you.. ditching us for the first guy who notices you like some – some –“

“Youre bein cruel Corinne.” Aine cut her off softly, her eyes were glassy, but her lips were pushed into a firm line.

“You deserve it” Corrine was out of control. She didn’t mean that she just couldn’t stop herself from saying horrible things. Why couldn’t she stop herself?

“No, I don’t.” Aine responded in a disappointed tone and that somehow made Corrine even more sad.

“Yes. You do.” Corrine cemented. Burying herself in her own shallow grave like the horrible person she was. She waited for Aine to say something, but she just kept hugging herself, it made Corrine want to hug her too, to apologize.

“WELL?” Corrine shouted impatiently.

“We have to walk in pairs- “

“I don’t wanna walk with you, I'd rather take my chances.” Corrine glared at Aine whose face held no anger, only hurt and confusion.

“Corrinne.” She spoke softly walking towards her, but Corrine danced around her

“Go on. Go see Cedric. I don’t want you here.” Corrine locked herself into a stall. She stared at Aine’s feet and waited for at least 10 minutes until she heard her leave. Then Corrinne cried, hot heavy angry tears until she could no longer produce any.

Unfortunately, neither of the girls made it to dinner that night.

Jameson had found Corrinne, at first by his disheveled appearance and overall vibe that she had assumed that he was on Aine’s side, that he was coming to chew her out. Once he had explained what had happened to Aine, her Aine, Corrinne felt so guilty and horrible. How could she let her leave alone? How could she let her anger get the better of her again and again?

When she entered the hospital wing, she could see Connell sitting in a chair beside Aine’s petrified body, he looked extremely distressed. Jameson and Corrinne pulled seats besides him, she looked so scared, Corrine could still see the tear streaks on her cheek.

“Pomfrey said that once the mandrakes are matured, she’ll be aright but that will take a while...” Connell announced in a tight voice, as if he was trying not to cry. The younger students nodded and no one else spoke for a long while; Jameson had held her hand, but they didn't look at each other.

“I need to go. I need to-” Connell abruptly stood up and stormed out.

“I'm gonna go make sure he’s alright. Do you wanna come with?” Jameson hopped up too, but Corrinne shook her head no.

“I'll be back in a bit.” he voiced quietly leaving her and Aine alone.

It had been quiet for so long; silent tears ran down her face.

“I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry.” Corrine cried as she covered her face. A small part of her praying that maybe Aine would hear and forgive her.

-

After seeing Aine in the great hall Corrine fled, she couldn't face her or give her an explanation because she didn't have one herself. Seeing how exhausted Aine looked in the great hall as Connell explained all the months she lost because she was attacked because she was alone because of her, Corrine's heart couldn't bear it. She figured the best move was to hide herself from her and hope that maybe she would send a letter to her over the summer or something.

So that's how on the train ride home Corrine sat alone. It was a fitting punishment, she started Hogwarts alone and she would end it alone, and with her luck she would die alone.

Marie Ghannon, the cunt she is, was right.

“Hi Corrine.” a soft voice entered the train compartment. Corrine was too busy with self-hatred to notice Aine come in, she immediately straightened herself.

“Hi.” her voice cracked in response.

Aine sighed woefully as she slid in the seat across from Corrine, up close she looked awful with dark eye bags and a thin layer of sweat on her skin, she bounced her leg up and down as she stared down Corrine.

“I'm sorry”They both uttered at the same time shocking each other.

“Why are you sorry!” Corrine stood up in a haste

“Because of our fight! Youve been avoiding me or the last 2 days... I thought you were still mad about before” Aine stood also and stepped closer to Corrine “I didn't want to end the year without us being okay.” Aine held folded her hands over Corrine's eyes filled with remorse.

“Aine, No!” Corrine gripped Aines hands tightly “it was my fault you got petrified and I was so, so horrible to you. You didn't deserve it. I was just being a prat.” Corrine cried out.

“it's not your fault”

“Yes, it is!” she cried again.

“Corrine it's okay!” Aine reassured

“it's not. Im so sorry. Marie had said something, and it made me insecure.” Corrine admitted.

“What did Marie say?”

“It doesn't matter. I got insecure and-”

“It does matter if it had you acting like that.” Aine replied in an out of character stern voice with a look that made Corrine shrink back a little. She had no choice but to confess what had happened in Ravenclaw tower. Corrine moved her head down when she noticed Aine's face cringe as she repeated all the words that were said, fearing she truly was incorrigible.

“Wow. Marie is a bitch. I'm sorry she said that you.” Aine gasped out as she wrapped her arms around Corrinne's shoulder.

“I overreacted, it's not a big deal.” Corrine voice was mumbled by Aine's hair, it smelled like jasmine and peaches.

“It is.. If someone said that to me. I would cry.” Aine grip got tighter “ but you should know that I love everything about you. I won't abandon you.”

“I'm sorry” Corrine had begun to cry into Aine's hair, holding her too, they held each other even after Corrinne finished crying, even when Jameson and Theo had found them.

Aine held her until they left the train station.

-

Looking back on it, Corrine had already known why she was so angry all the time, why she didn't want specifically Aine to go out with Cedric. Something she wasn't ready to accept herself and even now she finds it difficult to-

“Hey.”

Corrine blinks back to focus as Katie pulls away from her neck hovering above her with a teasing smile.

“where’s your head gone Cory?” Katie pushes a loose strand behind her ear while pushing herself in a seated position.

“Nowhere, I was just thinking about stuff.” Corrine flushes lamely.

“What did I tell you about thinking when I'm kissing you?” Katie teased “I'm sure your homework is correct.”

Katie bell is oh so wonderful.

She's beautiful, smart and just mesmerizing to look at and think about, she is all Corrine thinks about most days.

After their first meeting in Gryffindor tower, Corrinne assumed they would never converse deeply again just ‘hellos’ and ‘byes’ as they passed each other in the hall. She felt shame in her constant thought about her, while studying and eating but at night it was worse, where before she slept, she thought about kissing her soft pink lips, holding her hand and more.

To make matters even worse! Katie had begun to quest after Corrine, sitting with her in the library and during lunch, touching her and calling her beautiful. Corrine assumed that it was her being nice because Aine does the same and they have pure friendship – but it didn't help Corrine's lust, as it overtook her mind thinking of the brown-haired beauty constantly.

Katie must've figured that Corrine would never cross that line, that she was scared or unsure of what Katie wanted but Katie is a Gryffindor, so it was no problem for her.

One day they skipped lunch and just walked, Katie listened to Corrine talk as she would brush her hand against hers hoping she would get the hint until Corrine said:

“And Manchester is so bloody boring! -” Corrine ranted.

“you're from Manchester?” Katie questioned stopping them in their tracks “which side?”

“Uh near Chesire?” Corrine replied in a confused tone that caused Katie to laugh.

“That's absolutely mad! We live very close to each other.” Katie explained as Corrine's eyes widened.

“Why do you think it’s so boring? Chesire is amazing! Have you gone into town?” Katie asked pushing her body closer, smiling at Corrine's red cheeks.

“Uh no not really. Never really had a reason too” Corrine stuttered tsking a step back. Katie was not gonna give up.

“Hmm I could show you around town this summer.. If you'd like?” Katie moved forward again pressing Corrine against the castle walls.

Corrine made a weak noise as her eyes scanned the halls for lingering eyes, sliding her body to left a little in an attempt escape this compromising position.

“Do you want me to show you new things?” Kaite wasn't letting her go that easily, placing a hand on her cheek.

“Like what?” Corrine stuttered again, completely red but looking directly into katies eyes. Katie smiled as she gazed into Corrine's brown eyes and she saw it, the subtle desire and want. Pushing a hair behind her ear, Kaite held Corrine's face in both her hands, rubbing her soft cheek for a moment before pressing her lips to hers.

Nervously, Katie pulls away after a few seconds to observe the Ravenclaw whose eyes were glazed over in awe.

“Could you show me more?” a low whisper but a clear acceptance to both of them.

“Cory~” Katie pouted again pressing her lips to her cheeks to get her attention. “You didn't answer what were you thinking about?” Katie playfully pushed herself on top of Corrine, straddling her hips.

She wants to say everything is consuming her mind but that wasn't true.

“You. And how pretty you are” Corrine kissed Katie, placing her hands on her hips.

“You think I'm pretty?” Katie giggled out pulling away after Corrine pushed her tongue in.

“Yes, very pretty.”