Chapter Text
After dinner in the Great Hall, Regina gathered her book bag from her dormitory and headed for the library. She had been itching to check out the massive library, filled with books about spells, potions, and a wealth of knowledge about the wizarding world. Upon entering the library, she looked around in awe; it exceeded her expectations. Regina found a secluded table in the back corner, set down her book bag, and took a seat. She took a deep breath, reflecting on her first day of classes. The professors hadn't been lenient with homework, and she already had assignments for Charms, Herbology, and Potions, all of which required substantial rolls of parchment on various topics from their lessons.
Regina opened her bag and started to retrieve her ink and quill, some parchment, and her Charms book, the "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1." As she arranged her study materials, a letter from her mother slipped out and unfurled onto the table. She sighed as she picked it up and finally read the parchment.
Regina, imagine my surprise and disgust when I heard from your sister that you were sorted into Ravenclaw. You've broken the family tradition of Slytherins. I have half a mind to write to the Headmaster to demand the Sorting Hat reevaluate your placement. It would be best if you stay at Hogwarts for the winter break. — Cora
Regina sighed, feeling saddened that her mother didn't want her to come home for the holiday break. She folded up the letter and tucked it into the back of her textbook. She resolved to write to her father the next day to gauge his reaction, hoping for more understanding. Regina pushed aside her thoughts and focused on starting her Charms essay. She couldn't change her mother's feelings or decisions, but she could dedicate herself to her studies. If she excelled in her studies, perhaps she could become a prefect or even head girl during her time at Hogwarts, potentially earning her mother's approval.
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“I’m going to the library,” Emma said, looking around the noisy common room. All the Hufflepuff’s were chatting about their first day of classes and the homework they had been given. She was finding it hard to focus. Ruby nodded, not looking up from her potions essay. Emma gathered her books and parchment, putting everything in her bag, heading out of the common room. She wandered through the castle, taking in all the sights of the lavish castle, exploring just a bit until she found the library. After navigating the library's aisles, she spotted a familiar Ravenclaw in the back.
Emma approached the table, “Hi Regina, mind if I sit?” She asked, rocking on the balls of her feet. Regina looked up from her parchment she was writing on, staring at the blonde for a second. She nodded and motioned to the seat across from her. “Thanks.” Emma smiled and began to get out her books, parchment, quill and ink from her bag. “What are you working on?”
“The Charms essay,” Regina replied, staring at Emma skeptically. “Tell me, why are you sitting here with me and not back in your common room or at another table? Surely you know who I am.” Most of the students knew her family’s history of being dark wizards in the community. She had always struggled to make friends for many reasons. She lived in her sister’s shadow and because of her family name. She had grown up feeling as if she didn’t fit in anywhere or belong with her family, that was until the previous night when the Sorting Hat placed her in Ravenclaw.
“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t know the Mills,” Emma said. Shelooked at the girl before her, seeing the speculation on her face, and simply shrugged, “That doesn’t matter to me though. From the moment I saw you at the sorting ceremony and honestly, I knew at that moment I wanted to be friends with you.”
“Friends with me?” Regina gawked, surprise flooding her features.
“Yep!” Emma grinned. “Now, do you want to help me with my potions essay?” She asked, curiously.
Regina stared at the Hufflepuff sitting before her, trying to figure the blonde girl out and what she wanted. This was such a new feeling for her. She sighed and nodded, “I suppose that’s what friends do, right? Help each other with homework?”
"Yes, that's exactly it," Emma replied.
Regina and Emma quickly fell into a comfortable rhythm of studying together in the library. As they worked on their essays and assignments, they discovered shared interests and a growing friendship. Regina, who had often felt isolated because of her family's reputation, was surprised to find someone who didn't judge her based on her last name.
=TBC