Potion class was up next with Padma, Amelia and Priscilla; I could get my mind off of the Slytherin kid. Yule Ball was coming up—Padma and Amelia could stop teasing me about the Slytherin kid. All four of us had no clue who, as a person, he is…At all. Shame though; I think Slytherins are okay but some of them just push things too far. Like Malfoy and his cronies; especially Pansy. I loathe her. She ‘accidentally’ spilled a jar of eels’ eyes on my skirt. The slime got stuck on the fabric for about a whole week! I tried washing it off using magic and without it!
The other time she blamed me to Professor McGonagall about the pixies going on the rage in the Defence against the Dark Arts class. Stupid Gilderoy. I can’t believe he’s even a Ravenclaw. What a phony. I had detention to sweep all the little droppings in the dragon’s place (the dragon was for the Triwizard Tournament) for a week! And to think she could’ve done worse; she stole my homework for Charms class from right under my arm, literally! Erased my name, wrote down hers, and slipped her blank page of homework to me; I had to do everything last minute! I got an Acceptable. Ugh, I could’ve gotten Outstanding if it wasn’t for Pansy! Geez, what a prick! Professor Filtwick even asked me if I was alright! Which I was not!
“Page 45, you’ll have all the instructions you need to go through today’s class. House Points will be deducted,” Professor Snape slurred, pacing around the room in his black…Outfit or whatever it is.
“You—“he pointed his wand at me, “Sit next to him.” He pointed at a vacant seat just across the room.
I glanced over at a black-headed kid. All dressed with a black robe with some green lining on it: the Slytherin kid.
I stood up stiffly, and shifted my seat next to him. He gave a faint grin at me; his eyes were shimmering with light. My lips curved then back down.
“I’ve seen you before,” he whispered with his head bent really low.
“Yeah—yeah, me too,” I murmured, as I played with the measuring flask; giving a sign to Professor Snape that I wasn’t making a peep.
“Get your wands ready, you have exactly a half an hour to complete the Sleeping Draught.”
I drew my wand out of my sock, onto the table (why, indeed, I do keep my wand in my sock sometimes. Pardon? It’ll crack? Heavens no. It’s super-swishy. Unlikely to break into little Alder pieces). Cracked open my textbook to page 45; the corner of my eye watched the Slytherin kid, almost hawk-like. The blandly illustrated pages noted all the precautionary rules before tackling this potion. The usual rules: “1. Do not put your face too close to your cauldron, unsuccessful potion brewing will burst abruptly. 2. Side effects of unsuccessful potion brewing will cause your cauldron to melt.” And blah, blah, blah.
I skipped all the rules of safety. Read it before; no change unless it’s some advanced potion making (which I definitely can’t wait to get started on).
“I don’t understand this…” he mumbled under his breath.
“Shh.
He pursed his lips; his lips meeting at a centre. I held back my laughter; what? It was horrifyingly adorable.
“How I wish I could help. But I don’t want my grade in Potion class to go to a Troll.”
“Alright, shouldn’t be too hard,” he shifted uncomfortably on his seat. “Thanks for pushing me.”
“Uh…You’re welcome?”
I added three measures of Valerian Sprigs and my mixture: Lavender and Standard Ingredients into my copper cauldron. I measured two spoons of Flobberworm Mucus into my cauldron, stirred clockwise for almost around seven times. The Slytherin kid watched me as I was stirring. I pretended that I wasn’t uncomfortable at him staring.
Professor Snape whizzed by, “Hmm…”
He examined the colour of my potion closely; it was in a nice rhubarb colour with bubbles, popping in a steady rhythm.
He whizzed away off to another table. I exhaled deeply. Isn’t Snape scary? He’s probably a bat before. Not…A baseball bat. I mean the nocturnal mammal bat in his past life.
I let my cauldron rest on a gentle fire for at least thirty minutes. I dipped the tip of my quill in a glass bottle of ink; started writing the procedure I have executed specifically on a scroll of parchment.
“Shred the grains of four sprigs of Lavender into the mortar; add two measures of Standard Ingredient. Crush with a pestle until a creamy consistency forms. Add two spoons of Flobberworm Mucus. Three measures of the creamy paste (to be exact).”
I was writing up a storm—in the zone. My smell receptors sensed a funny smell coming from the cauldron next to me. My dagger-like-eyes darted at the Slytherin kid, “What is that retched smell?!”
It was absolutely foul, poignant and...Ugh.
“I don’t know! Something’s wrong with my potion, I think!”
I turned my back to see Professor Snape penetrating a pupil with his harsh words at the back. That gives me enough time to help the Slytherin kid fix up his potion. Green smoke floated out soon. That was a sign that I (well, he…) should act right away.
“Add more sprigs of Lavender into your cauldron. It’ll steady the smell and colour. Stir it a couple of times until the bubbles are settled down,” I continued writing as I spoke.
“Alright,” he whispered, he did what he was told.
The next thirty minutes or so, I used it up to write the procedures. I look over at the Slytherin kid’s cauldron, bubbly like it’s supposed to be.
“Thanks, owe you one,” he whispered once more with a thumb up.
I smirked as I looked away then continued writing down all the little details. It’s hard to please Professor Snape, see. I know, I know, you can’t please everybody but you know, at least I want to please myself with the outcome results for this practical.
I gave another two stirs to bring up the powdery solution to the surface. My wand, I got ready in my hand. I was about to cast my potion perfectly.
“Everything is right except the hint of a poignant smell…” Professor Snape muttered as he surveyed the Slytherin kid’s cauldron.
I watched as Professor Snape return to the back; surveying other cauldrons (pewter, brass and copper cauldrons of size 2, thank you very much). The Slytherin kid wore a super goofy smile for me, I smiled…Faintly.
I wove, then flicked my wand as silver beams flash out from the tip of my wand; a vibrant smell of Lavender and Valerian Sprigs.
“The effect of this potion will cause a deep slumber. Think wisely before using this potion.”
Beautiful silvery misty steam floated in the air. The pungent and aromatic smell tickled my nose.
I scooped up a spoonful of Sleeping Draught into a bottle. Closed it air-tight with a cork.
“Last five minutes. All of you should have finished up your potion by now,” Professor Snape’s voice shook up the room from his desk; high up a platform.
Students behind me were all racing against time. I could hear the constant thumps from two of my neighbours behind as they wrote violently across the parchment; quickly the dipped the tip of their quills, without notice, ink just spilled everywhere. They’re definitely getting a ‘T’. They deserve it.
Amelia, who was sitting near the entrance, was cramming—cramming real hard I see. Poor girl, I bet her brain’s about to hop out from her skull and into a tub of ice. Her eyes fixated on her parchment. Tiny feathers were dropping from her quill rapidly as it moved up and down on the parchment. Groans and loud thumps everyone made. I was sitting on my stool, looking around, watching everyone finish up the test in five minutes if possible; they could actually complete it I presume. I held back the urge to skid across the classroom and attend to all the students. After all, a test is a test. Self-sacrifice isn’t an option at this particular moment.
“Five minutes is up. Fires out, drop your quills.”
“Darn!!” yelled a Hufflepuff from the back.
“I see you haven’t completed, yes, Mr. Thomas? I’ll be looking forward to grading your papers…”
Professor Snape’s voice gives me the bad willies.
“Accio.”
Scrolls of parchment flew to his desk. All in neat piles, none of them dodging his tall, slender figure.
“Dismissed.”
***
Professor Snape looked rather pleased at my potion. And so Snape was with the Slytherin kid’s. Slytherin kid’s skipped happily out of class.
I walked down the stairs with my books cuddled up against my chest. My robe hovered over the floor. Students ran pass me down the stairs. A fingertip poked my shoulder. I turned around.
“Hi, thanks for—" he said.
“Nah, it’s really, nothing. I knew it was wrong but you know—" I ranted.
“Hey, um, would you…Like to go…To the Yule Ball with me, Ray…Ravenclaw?”
We didn’t know each other’s names. It was fun; like…We were complete stranger friends—not even acquaintances. I… Like… Him…
“Umm…”
“Hey, mate, are you coming with us or busy with another?” Goyle came, clutching his one shoulder.
“Nah, don’t wait up for me. It’s not another,” he shook his head.
“Aight,” he skidded away.
“Another?” I cocked my eyebrow at his adorable expression.
“It’s…It’s nothing, Ravenclaw,” he brushed his fingers on my arm.
“Oh, so…”
The second I blinked, he grinned widely at me. His eyes lit up the whole endless hall. Did he just call me Ravenclaw? I think he did. So, it’s my name now?
“Say yes!” screamed a portrait. A witch threw her colourful balls of yarn on the dead red carpet, kicked her rocking chair and made a complete mess in her frame. Looks like somebody didn’t sleep well last night in her frame.
“No!” I yelled back at it. I looked at him; he was gaping. “No, no! Wait, I haven’t made up my mind yet!”
“Aw—aw, no! Take your time!” his voice brightened up again.
“I-I-I have to go…Slytherin,” I stammered horribly.
“Alright.”
He dragged my wrists to his back; clutching the back of his robe. Is he…Hugging me? He is. Oh wow. Um.
He pulled away, looking so ever glowy, “So…I’ll see you today at the Quidditch play-offs?”
“Whoa-whoa, you play Quidditch?”
“Yeah! Slytherin Team Keeper!” he jumped on his heels.
“I’ll…See you in two hours then.”
***
What just happened? I got asked out. After that, I got hugged. I’m like a total nobody in Hogwarts—nobody. I just helped the guy on Professor Snape’s practical exercise and he’s so bloody grateful. At first I didn’t mind the Yule Ball bring-up (mind you, I’m not into balls or dances), the hug was totally out of borders.
“Pentagon,” Padma said.
“Pardon?” I scoffed.
“He’s the Pentagon.”
“No way. He’s too nice of a wizard to be the Pentagon. I just heard he’s in Slytherin—“
“Wake up,” Padma snapped her fingers in front of my face. I was reading! “He’s the Pentagon. Where is your school social mind map?”
“I don’t give a fuss about social statuses, Padma, get real. Who do you think I am?”
“Alright, fine, but if the boy breaks your heart; I’m here to cast curses,” she slammed her book shut and went out the common room.
We Ravenclaws love the wind. We are likely to be compatible with air; rather than the other three stuck on the muddy ground. The curtains flowed quite gracefully as the wind blew straight in and out from one window to the other. It was a peaceful afternoon. I was almost done with my report about the endless life cycle of the Phoenix for Care of Magical Creatures class. Padma, Amelia and Priscilla are out hunting for study groups for today’s report for Care of Magical Creatures. I’d rather do it myself actually. Though I had a deficiency for Arithmancy, then I wouldn’t do it all alone. I had help from Ravenclaw’s Quidditch Team Captain, Roger Davies. Not a bad guy. I like him too. Not in that way however.
Since the view from the beautiful Ravenclaw Tower includes; the Quidditch field, I decided to have a little preview of what’s going down there…Just an hour before the game.
My arms rested, folded, on the ledge. My eyes scavenged the Quidditch pitch. Seeing teeny-tiny people brawling across the green field—looks like it’s Slytherin versus Hufflepuff today. It’ll be my first time attending one of these Quidditch play-offs. I heard the Slytherins play it real rough and feisty. A Chaser in the Gryffindor Team broke his arm after a Slytherin Chaser shoved him from the side. Kid was hospitalized for almost a month.
“Hey, aren’t you gonna get ready for the play-offs that Pentagon invited you to?” asked Robert, out of the blue.
“First, I don’t care if he’s the Pentagon; I think he’s a nice person. And yes, in a moment.”
I shuffled across the common room, pass the Rowena statue and up to the Girls’ Dormitory. My bed was in a mess. I didn’t mind. I was the messiest out of the girls. I didn’t mind. I slack easily. I don’t mind.
I changed my outfit; it’s pretty chilly out there considering this is the last play-off of the season before Winter comes along and covers Hogsmeade with a think, white, snowy blanket.
Before leaving the Ravenclaw Tower alone (everyone was attending the last play-off of the season, of course, no one’s gonna be here until tonight), I shut all the windows. Goodbye, wind I love. Splashed water over the fireplace to put out the hearty fire blazing—went out and the door sealed itself shut for the afternoon.
Walking across an empty field from Hogwarts ground to the Quidditch field was a great distance. I wasn’t alone, others ran and jogged to it; while I took it in stride to actually walk and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere.
Cheering, jeering and sparks flew into the darkening sky. All three rolled into one made the sky captivating to watch. Professors were there too. Can’t believe that Christmas is fast approaching before you know it; I’ll be back again to sit for my OWLs.
I walked into the festive ground; pupils’ faces painted with the House colours they support; scarves of their own Houses; vibrant coloured banners; whistling were heard loud and clear; hollering too.
No sight of both of the opponents. All I saw were smiling faces—mouths open wide to cheer for their team. On my left were Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. On my right were Slytherin, the Staff’s benches and Ravenclaw.
Blazing spotlights from four towers from each corner of the Quidditch Pitch shone the field. Three hoops standing tall on two sides of the green grassy field. Tiny snowflakes started to fall gently from the sky like feathers. I felt happy that once I manage to experience weather like this. Again, magical, like my whole Hogwarts experience is.
“Ravenclaw!” someone called out. The voice’s hand lightly grabbed mine; slightly brushing against two palms.
“Hi?” I greeted unfriendly as I turned around, not knowing who it was that actually dare to hold my hand.
“Whoa, what’s gotten into you?” his fingers ran around my shoulders.
“Nothing; I thought you were someone else. You’re quite touchy, don’t you know that?” I wasn’t nagging; I was…Just pointing out the oblivious.
“I’ll ignore that…Oh hey, would you like to help us prep for the big play-off for tonight? I need you,” he begged with his brown-green-hazel eyes. I couldn’t m-m-make it out; the lights were way too bright to see. Half of his face was blinded by the blazing spotlights.
“Ah-All-Alright.” I used my hand to cover my eyes. It was certainly hot plus it’s probably melting the snowflakes pouring down.
“Oh, you must be lost because of the lights. Come with me,” he hooked his hand around my arm; then started walking me towards the Slytherin Quidditch Team’s tent. Before I could actually tell him I was uncomfortable; “’Ey, you got yourself a little lassie!” I heard Marcus Flint, team captain, announced; after that…They laughed at me.
“Not another one, I’m sick and tired of your ever changing girlfriends,” Pansy groaned in anger. Why’s she here? Oh right, she’s one of Malfoy’s cronies. She had to be with him at all times, I assume?
I felt rather…Penetrated, intimidated and played a fool out of whenever I’m around Malfoy’s cronies. They’re such snobs—some only unlike Slytherin; he’s nice. Also, I felt literally and emotionally small. I started to heat up under my blouse and sweater. His hand was clutching on mine.
“She’s…Not my girlfriend,” he responded, resisting their moody behaviour.
“Mate, you’re holding the lassie’s hand,” Flint whispered in his ear.
They laughed, again, harder…this time.
“Aw, don’t pick on her, she’s just helping me out with some stuff tonight,” he shrugged with a grin plastered on his face. He looked over at me (I was chewing on my sweater’s sleeve and hiding my face. I hate being embarrassed), tugged my hand then quietly said, “Come on, don’t be shy.”
The tent was big; I may say to my surprise…I’ve never been in one before. I feel like I’m back-stabbing my House eventhough they’re not playing tonight. See, Ravenclaw likes to play fair so we support both sides of the teams and see what happens. A friendly bet wouldn’t hurt too (to make the night seem even more challenging than the game itself…At least that’s what Priscilla does all the time).
Hurling green ribbons hanging from the top of the tent; all white. A carpet was laid out nicely; fat cushions were on the floor; green and gold to be exact. He took me through several tent flaps inside—must be a long tent. Then we came to a stop; an area full of Quidditch equipment. From the Nimbus 2100 to Quaffles to Buldgers. It was quite interesting. Brass casing for the Quaffles, Buldgers and the Golden Snitch. I heard Malfoy’s the Seeker. Kudos to him…
“Please, have a seat,” he gestured his hand to the appealing seat in front of me.
“So, what am I supposed to do?” I sat down awkwardly.
“Nothing; I just wanted to find an excuse to talk to you,” he shrugged with a smile (the usual), as he reached for his Nimbus from the broomstick rack.
“Oh.”
He sat down in front of me, on the carpet (Slytherin’s House colour, of course). Gazing into my eyes dreamily.
“U-Um, you’ll do great tonight,” my lips started to tremble.
“Thanks!” his eyes brightened up again. The room sparked up with colour. No one has any idea how close we were; psychically.
“Are both of you snogging?! Stop it!” Malfoy went screaming, shielding his eyes.
“We weren’t snogging, Draco, I’ll be there in a minute!” he yelled back even louder.
“Bloody no-good pests,” Malfoy grumbled loudly on his way out.
“I’m sorry, Ravenclaw, he has kittens whenever I bring a girl along with me,” he patted my head.
“It’s…Okay.”
He grabbed both of my hands; we stood up at the same time, “I’ll see you out there, yeah?”
“Yeah,” I nodded (it felt more of a flinch but let’s just say I nodded).
He lured me into a sneaky kiss on the cheek, “Then I’ll…See you back in the Great Hall for dinner?” he whispered in my ear; two of his hands holding down my wrists.
“Yeah,” I bit my lip down hard to stop my inner screams from bursting my guts out. My cheeks were burning up; I swear I was about to get a ten-degree burn. I couldn’t bare it. No, not one bit. I had to run out. I need to—I broke loose from his grip and dashed out from the tent. I didn’t stop running until I have reached Padma, Priscilla and Amelia. I didn’t want him to see my stupid red cheeks. I hate it when people see me blush—I feel stupid that way and I hate feeling stupid. Merlin’s beard, I feel so embarrassed. Did he see my face after that?!
The play-offs started with a very competitive (was supposed to be friendly) handshake between two captains of the team. Slytherin gave a snare; a nasty one. Hufflepuff were very happy chaps—playing against the best team of all in Hogwarts.
The game was very hard to catch-up. Quite messy, I might say. I was focusing on the Keepers, Beaters and Chasers. The first half of the game; Crabbe got disqualified from shoving a Hufflepuff Chaser down into the freezing ground. It was terrible—absolutely terrible. Poor girl! She was sent to the always sweet Madam Pomfrey.
He had to switch places with Crabbe; he deserved to be benched for the rest of the season. So, he’s a Chaser now; they brought Miles up to be the Keeper.
It was the third half of the game; Seekers from two teams are nowhere to be found. They just kept playing until they returned. Slytherin on the other hand…They were playing quite feisty. Hufflepuff is actually quite laidback; managed to be one point behind Slytherin—so, good job to them, I guess?
“Hey, look, your boyfriend’s waving at you,” Padma tugged my sleeve.
“Hu-what?” I looked around the pitch; there he was, waving—not focusing on the game. I waved back; of course, it would be impolite to not wave back. “He’s not my boyfriend. I barely know him.”
“I think he’s cute,” Amelia twirled her hair.
“Ew, Amelia,” Priscilla couldn’t fathom.
“Yeah, okay, that’s for now,” said Padma, rolling her eyes at me. We both laughed over our blue and grey striped scarves.
***
I didn’t bother to stay for the winning team. I was starving! I swore my feet were dragging on the ground. I barely have much energy to make it back to the Great Hall. Everyone was still psyched from the winning team: Slytherin.
The wild crowd burst through the entrance doors of Hogwarts with so much ecstasy. Their wands were sparklers for the night; confetti came out of nowhere (probably a bratty wizard casted some confetti spell. Ugh. Poor Filch, he’d have to sweep up the floors). I had some Cornish pastries for dinner; I wasn’t that much of a big eater although I was starving.
The Great Hall celebrated wildly. Padma, Amelia, Priscilla and I waited until the party group took their food and went out—leaving the Great Hall with some students left inside; eating, playing Wizard chess and reading.
“That play-off was certainly intriguing,” Priscilla chewed on her casserole.
“Tell me about it. I had it coming,” Amelia bragged.
“That’s because you’re super good in Divination,” Padma was sounding rude yet frankly sarcastic. Her neck was showing faint lines of veins as she strained out her words.
“That’s right, but also it’s pretty obvious: Hufflepuff kid gets injured, fast Seeker, killer Hawkshead formation and dopplebeater defence.” said Amelia.
I jabbed by Cornish pastry until the clinking sound rings from the pewter plate.
“Looks like somebody’s on a fuss tonight.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Bloody hell, I hate it when girls say, ‘it’s nothing.’” Priscilla said with a spoonful of casserole. She imitated girly girls’ voices with her mouth full. Dark green bits of casserole flew from her mouth.
“Really, it’s noth—“
“Hey, Ravenclaw!” he slid by my side.
“This table is for…Ravenclaw only,” Priscilla took a sip from her goblet then slammed it.
“May I borrow your friend for a while?”
“Don’t you—“ Priscilla pushed her sleeves up, stood up aggressively.
“Just for a while,” he calmed her down with his hand gesture, showing no harm. Again, he hooked his hand around my arm after that dragged me out of the Great Hall and into some warm and cozy room across the floor. We sat facing each other on the velvet red armchairs. Bookshelves stood around us. Quite a cramped room, but with high beige ceilings and windows.
“Why did you leave so quickly?”
“I was starving,” my hand laid on my abdomen.
“Oh, do they still have them chocolate gateaus? I’m craving for chocolate! It was such a long match. Malfoy was bloody horrible today!”
“I guess so. You’d have to see for yourself. Oh and don’t mind him.”
“Anyways,” he started to get cocky. The fireplace was crackling with a luminous flame; red, orange and yellow; it flickered and danced. After a few minutes of silence, “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Well, aren’t you gonna congratulate our team on winning this term’s season play-offs?”
“Ohh! Congratulations!” I jumped on my seat.
“And can I add that you look really, really cute when you blush and then run away,” he started a giggling fit.
Oh great, here it comes again. I need to be excused. If I blush too much, I say stupid things. I hate saying stupid things. Why am I saying stupid so much in my head. Stop it, stop it!
“Aw, there it is again!”
I was totally mortified. I slapped my hands on my face to cover my fat cheeks.
***
“Trust me, you hate him just about as much as I do,” Priscilla started dishing about him, all over again.
“What did the boy to do you, Priscilla, bloody hell!” Amelia slammed her fork and spoon onto her gold plate.
“It’s not right to date five girls each week, Amelia! You’re so stupid!” she smacked her head.
Breakfast: the first meal of the day and the chaos has already begun. I feel better—I guess—at least I think I do. I played around with my rolls while listening to Amelia and Priscilla fight over the kid.
“I’m gonna go have fresh air. It’s a little stuffy in here,” I said to Padma.
“Okay,” she mouthed.
I walked out from the Great Hall. The area outside was vacant; eerie at night; drafty in the morning. I looked up at the endless ceiling (sounds stupid, I know, it was pretty endless to me); dark at the end. Probably more over than gazillion portraits were hung up against the walls. The giant staircase faced towards me. Across the floor was the door leading out to the courtyard. Outside seems sunny, friendly. Snow was seen in from little corners of the area—I didn’t mind. I like snow.
I held on to my sweater as I took a step towards the courtyard. Butterflies, bees and birds were absent at this time of the year. The leaves started to fall from their branches. Mr. Filch ought to rake them before some creepy crawlers start their breeding and hibernate there. Yuck. I hate creepy crawlers.
“It’s cold out there, you must be freezing,” someone covered me with a warm coat around my shoulders. It was jet black, big buttons (black too), long and soft. “Aren’t you hungry? Breakfast awaits.”
“I’ve already eaten,” I said coldly.
He rubbed my arms, “Ravenclaw…Food…C’mon…” he begged.
It was nicely cold and snug in the courtyard. I hear the fountain water trickling. It was serene. The Sun was about to burst its rays through the clouds.
“I’m hungry. You must be feeling cold.” He wrapped me up nicely in his arms then nudged my head with his nose.
“Fine, I’ll go to the Yule Ball with you.” I whined; I didn’t mean the whiny tone though.
***
Priscilla, Amelia, and Padma dragged me to the South Side of Diagon Alley. We arrived in a store named Twilfitt and Tatting’s: a place where wizards and witches can buy clothes from. I love the interior design except for the dresses. They’re a little too puffy. I like puffy ones but you know, I’m really not into dresses.
I slipped on a sundress-looking dress robe. Floral but still formal. I came out from behind the velvety curtains.
“It’s perfect!” Amelia squealed at clapped.
“I hate it! Since when dress robes were this short!” I pulled a long face.
“I’m not much of a girly girl but I have to agree,” Priscilla walked up to Amelia, “It does look good.”
“Fine. I’ll get it.”
When Priscilla likes something girly, that’s when you know you can buy it.
“And it’s easier to run away from him if you know…You hate him and he becomes a filthy pervert,” shrugged Priscilla, attempting to be amusing.
“Hmm,” we all hummed in thought.
“Good point,” all of us said simultaneously.
***
I looked myself in the mirror. I didn’t really make the Yule Ball a super big deal. It’s just a dance with the Slytherin kid just to celebrate the Triwizard Tournament. I twisted my torso around to survey the dress. Fine hem lines. Pleats are beautifully creased. The floral patterns were persistent. I felt…Ugly. I’m pretty self-conscious about my physical features. Should I tie my hair? Or…Just…Do absolutely nothing with it? What if he doesn’t like this dress? And he hates my hair? It’s just a stupid ball. It only lasts about like…Five hours or so. What if he doesn’t like my shoes? Again, it’s a stupid ball. Ugh, why do I feel so penetrated? Just get on with it already. He’s just a Pent—guy.
“Stop looking at yourself in the mirror. We need to leave—now,” Amelia squeezed my arm.
“I…I don’t want to—I change my mind, Amelia, I don’t want to go. I don’t want to embarrass myself with this dress in front of the whole school. Go without me, I want to finish up some of the books I have read half way,” I sounded absolutely needy.
“Oh come on. We walked twenty minutes in the freakin’ cold to Twilfitt and Tatting’s to find the perfect dress and now you just want to bloody bail on us! I hate you!”
“I’m sorry!” I looked at my reflection.
“She doesn’t want to go!” Amelia yelled out the door.
“What?! How could you?!” Padma started yelling at my face as she marched angrily in.
“I look absolutely horrible in this!”
“He’s waiting by the stairs, you nitwit! Hurry up!”
What?! The stairs?! What are you talking about?! Why is he waiting at the stairs?! I rather walk to him. Okay, now I’m seriously panicking. My fingers were trembling. My hands and feet went totally numb. My brain was about to explode. My back shivered. The back of my hands turned pale.
“Don’t make me use the Carpe Retractum spell on you or whatever,” Amelia threatened me.
“I’m usually the one who will oppose that useless Slytherin kid and side with her; but, seriously, this is something I would oppose on. This is serious. Wake up, we spent Galleons on it!” Priscilla smacked me in the arm.
“OW. OKAY, FINE.” I yelled at their faces.
“You said yes to the bloke: remember that.”
We each hooked on each other’s arm to one another; as we exited the Ravenclaw Tower for good. There he was. Standing awkwardly, with a not-too-shabby: black and white. He looks like some baby penguin struggling to waddle in an over-sized dress robe. I think it’s simply adorable.
Others were jogging down the halls with their dates, friends and in large groups. This is actually the only occasion (minus the fieldtrips) that we don’t have to wear matching sets of robes. I was quite intrigued by the bursting of colours from Padma’s dress robe. They pushed me towards him. I started to get cold feet. I wanted to hurl out the nearest window; my stomach did multiple flips as I drew closer to his face.
“Hi!” he waved at me and them, behind me.
“Hey,” Priscilla greeted rudely.
“Right, we’ll just go. I’m mad thirsty,” Padma shoved the two of them down another fleet of stairs.
We watched them as they fussed, grumbled and groaned around; making a hullabaloo. I think Priscilla was swearing? That…Just hit her boiling point. What actually did irritate her? Oh right, his presence.
Out of the blue, he cleared his throat, “You…Look….Nice.”
“Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself,” I muttered.
He swung his hand; whilst he took a grasp of my hand.
“Umm, I have a curfew—“
“Don’t worry, me too,” he smiled.
We walked down another fleet of stairs. Hogwarts was bustling with some last minute preparations. Other witches were looking elegant tonight; way more than I am. Hmm.
“I l-like your d-d-dress,” he stammered. Grasping on my palm harder, I started feeling more anxious by the nanosecond.
I don’t usually like anyone feel so touchy around me; especially him. I like him and all—but…I don’t really like guys—
“Here we are!”
I wasn’t done rambling in my head.
The Great Hall was so big without the benches! Enormous amount of snowflakes drifted down gracefully. The floor was covered with snowy blankets; the high walls of the Hall were icy blue. The cracks on the walls were stuffed with snow.
I looked lower, the male Professors wore tacky dress robes, and the women Professors were absolutely beautiful. The witches were stunning. The wizards…Eh, not bad; could do better with those dress robes.
“Oh cool…” I said quietly.
The orchestra were on a platform; one playing a fiddle and cello. The atmosphere was bursting with joyous celebration. I wasn’t, really, updated about the whole Triwizard Tournament. I’m weird; I know.
Long tables were laid out with giant dishes of varieties of food. Punch was served in gigantic glass bowls. Flamboyant chairs were arranged neatly in curved rows at the back of the room: near the entrance. Candles stuck against the walls were lit luminously; wax was slowly melting away through the starry, cold night.
“Would you like my coat?” he touched my shoulder.
“No, no, I’m good,” I said with a dreamy voice; I was mesmerized by the decorations hung up high above us. Sparklers were twinkling themselves away. Everything was dreamy blue, silver and white. Witches and wizards were swaying, dancing goofily to the rhythm of the fiddle and stomping from the orchestra.
“Hey, mate!” exclaimed one of his friends, who came patting on his shoulder by his side.
“Hey!” Slytherin patted on his friend’s chest. “Blimey, Goyle, you almost scared me there!”
“Beautiful lassie you caught,” I heard his friend mutter close to his ear. Pardon your French, I’m right here and have ears.
“Aw, no, don’t treat her like that by saying that. I have to go. Catch up with you later tonight,” he struggled to not scowl. “Come on,” he whispered to me; grabbing my hand.
All this time I feel like I have been treated like a kid and been taunted with words by his Slytherin pals. I feel I have lost a sheer loss of dignity because of them. Snowflakes were starting to coat my head and shoulders with its fluffy density.
I glanced over at him: a thoughtful smile, beaming eyes and nods at the pupils who were greeting him. He caught me staring at me, smiling from ear to ear, “What’re you looking at?”
I instantly winced away while scratching the side of my head, “U-u-uh, n-n-nothing.”
On the platform, stood a little higher platform; Professor Flitwick, who was conducting the orchestra wonderfully. As soon as he saw us, he tapped his baton on his customized music sheet stand: short and made from metal: he licked his stubby index finger, flipped his music sheet and started waving away his baton. The fiddle player slowed down into a sweet, high-pitched note.
“Would you…” he extended his arm, as he bowed.
“Umm…” I looked around; everyone was look at us. I didn’t realize we were at the centre of attention! I see Padma, Amelia and Priscilla waving behind of a row of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor girls. They were all beaming brightly except for Priscilla of course. She was biting a straw. A faint spotlight fell upon us—the rest was dim.
I felt my cheeks burning like crazy! I knew I couldn’t run away any more; all eyes were on me. My heart and stomach did crazy multiple somersaults. My heart rate sped up; palms went sweaty; head throbbed; knees wobbled uneasily and my lips were quivering.
I put my hand on his palm, the spotlight died off after that the lights came back on. He brought me close to his chest then started swaying. His hand was on my back, the other was holding my hand tightly. This is absolutely awkward. Touchy…Personal space…I need to go to the bathroom. I don’t feel like myself.
His heartbeat was utterly audible. I fell in love with it; but must…Get…Away…From…Here. I assumed I was hyperventilating, the temperature of my cheeks rose higher by the seconds.
“You’re…Shivering?” he stroke down my back.
Merlin’s beard, what is happening to me?
“It’s nothing.”
Sweet, gorgeous melodies filled my ears while his heart was beating. It was wonderful; I’ve never felt like this before. My arms were tied around his back. His back was solid rock. I expected him to be super cuddly or something. Sigh.
“Come on. It’s probably too cold here.”
I’m not cold prone!
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders then walked me away from the swaying crowd. Hagrid and some super tall woman were dancing and twisting to the beat. Professor Dumbledore was standing in the corner just doing random movements of his hands in his usual purple robe and hat with his half-moon spectacles sitting cosily on the bridge of his nose.
“You have to know that I wasn’t shivering because I was cold,” I said coolly.
He gave me a relaxed smirk. I bet he didn’t mind me making up silly excuses about my unsteady stimuli to his touch; actually; I’m pretty sure he liked it.
“Check out Professor Dumbledore,” he sniggered as he pulled out two chairs in front of us. “Old man still got the grooves, no?” again, he sniggered.
“I guess so,” I crossed my legs with an uncomfortable grin on my face; I let my hands dangle on the side of my leg.
“We should get away from here,” he laughed, “you seem rather prickly.”
“I am?” I instantly narrowed my eyes at him.
“I find it funny,” he stuttered.
I threw a mental tantrum then responded, “Fine. Let’s go somewhere else.”
***
“I’m so sorry you’ve lost your parents.”
We sat outside in the cold on the porch steps of the back entrance of the Hogwarts. It was a starry and snowy night. We were so close to each other; we sat side-by-side.
“It’s alright…” I nudged a fallen dead leaf with my foot.
“He attacks you with his charm and softness from the vulnerable state. Stay on guard,” Priscilla’s voice echoed in my head.
“You’re not gonna run away from me this time, right?” he snickered adorably.
“Um…” I pursed my lips frustratingly.
“Oh no, don’t—stay,” he begged.
We watched the snow fall onto the ground; piling themselves up layer by layer. Pine leaves carried the giant pile of snow. The stars twinkled across the Scotland sky.
“Hey, Christmas is next week, are you…Going back to London?”
“Nah, I’m gonna stay here.”
“Great! So, we can celebrate together!”
Oh. I should’ve said yes. But I like him. Not that way though. I love—nothing—I love butterbeer.
“I like you.” He abruptly said out loud.
He likes me. Oh my word, he likes me. Why does he like me? I like him but not that way. I hope he doesn’t like me that way. Ugh, I like him. He likes me!
“I-I-
My cheeks: I feel embarrassed and stupid. My heart was pounding and my hands were all numb. I like him. Stop embarrassing yourself with super awkward silence…Man.
“Oh,” he said in astonishment as I dodged him with a hug.
***
He carries my books to all of the classes, make sure my hair is not frizzy, hugs me before taking classes and ignores his friends for a minute to smile at me from across the room.
I’m not sure if I like him, really. As in, like-like him. Nevertheless, he’s been indeed intoxicatingly sweet to me.
“Hi, love!” he grabbed my arm from the back. “How’re you feeling?”
We just got out from Charms class, last class for the day. It went really well! Finally perfected the Silencio spell on a bullfrog. Poor old bullfrog, he can’t croak no more.
I gazed into his radiant smile; that made me laugh like an absolute idiot. He inclined his head closely as his ears were opened to whatever I say.
“I’m g-g-good.”
I like him but am certainly not bailing on homework just to skip around Hogwarts’ grounds with him. I still keep myself intact like nothing has happened over last week. Amelia, Padma and Priscilla are going back home to celebrate Christmas. I’m pretty alright with them gone. I need some alone time too anyway.
“To the Astronomy Tower to finish up our Astronomy essay?” he suggested with the utmost cutest puppy eyes.
My stomach did back-flips, flips, back-flips, flips, back-flips, flips. It was still full of roast chicken, jacket potatoes and stew I had from lunch.
“S-sure,” my lips were weak—they were quivering greatly. I bet he took notice of them.
He’s in a hearty mood for the day, including a laugh that never fails to make my knees tremble, heart melt away onto the marble floor.
“Quidditch practice at five, don’t miss it.” Pansy came around from behind, patting his back, speaking into his ear. Basically she was sneering at me, “Don’t spend too much time with her. We need make some additional changes to the Hawkshead for the playoffs next season against Ravenclaw.”
Oh no. They’re gonna shove Robert…Or Priscilla. No, he’s not gonna shove them. He’s the Keeper for Merlin’s sake. Unless…Our team decides to play dirty and shove one Slytherin Chaser off…Then he’ll have to kick in.
Slytherin nodded firmly then gave me a nod to start heading towards the Astronomy Tower.
“I’ll make sure they won’t shove your friends at the playoffs, love,” he leaned closer to me. “Plus, I won’t stop hanging out with you. I love being around you on the contrary. Pansy’s just up-tight all the time.”
There are times which sometimes I think how it is possible that he’s the Pentagon. He’s so…Loveable. I walked closer with him. Down the great stairs and through the majestic arch that leads to the main hall of the building. It was vacant; two or three Ravenclaw and Gryffindor girls were roaming around the floor.
As we skipped down the fleet of stairs down to the Main Hall, a tall brunette Ravenclaw boy was walking up, looking at me, “Hey.”
Then he winked.
“Uh…Hi?” I greeted confusingly. He looks awfully familiar. Maybe he’s the guy who’s always hanging out around the Rowena Ravenclaw statue, discussing homework with other fellow Ravenclaws.
“Who’s that, Ravenclaw?” he sounded over-protective-like.
“I don’t know. Some random Ravenclaw guy,” I shrugged, not taking notice of his tone.
He opened up the wooden door, gave a simple wave of his arm. I climbed up the spiral stairs with my hand in his.
“Well, d-don’t hang out with him,” he went against me.
“Oh you. I won’t!” I chuckled.
“You’d better not. ‘Cause…Just because,” he was about to tell me he likes me but he knows that those three words will set me off.
Little arched windows were letting snow rest on their ledges. The handles of the stairs were stone cold. It was rustic and quiet. Our footsteps banging on the steel and steep steps made the entire ruckus. He’s pretty cool with the fact—
“Did you bring your telescope?” he asked out of the blue. Oh man, I’ve forgotten! Also, I’ve forgotten I was a wizard. I know, pretty awesome.
Dusk approaches just in time to stargaze for our essay homework. Usually, we’re assigned to stargaze at midnight but Slytherin and I decided to do it when the stars fade into the sky.
“Um…No…”—Accio telescope—“But…Now I do,” I smiled a goofy smile.
With my brass telescope with its stand in hand, we started setting our telescopes up. The Astronomy Tower was a dome with two storeys like a loft with wooden planks as the ground. Windows were arches with pointy tips and double frames. The centre piece of Astronomy Tower was a giant globe caged with rings of steel. Gears were hung around it.
“You’re smart with Charms. Maybe you should tutor me sometime,” he glanced over at me with the sweetest smile.
“Thank you?” I raised an eyebrow—after that, chuckled lightly.
We laid out pieces of paper in front of us when we sat on the ground. It was rather cold up here so I draped myself with my robe. Five hundred word essay about stars; how they are formed, how do they get the light energy from and etcetera. He had forgotten to bring his textbook about the Guide to Astronomy so, we shared. From afar, it was like we were huddling infrequently against each other against the wall. If we came up here at midnight, boy, wouldn’t it be like tundra. He would look up at me, twirl my hair that was hanging freely then smile pathetically. Eventhough I like how close our faces are but still, touchy…
“Snogging,” someone from below coughed.
I drew out my wand cautiously from my pocket. Emerging close to the balcony. He stood by me, “I’ll take care of this,” he whispered then stormed off down the stairs.
Slytherins. Psh.
“MALFOY!” I heard him yell irritably. “GET OUT!”
“Sorry, I couldn’t help to take notice your stupid girlfriend and you were snogging like mad.”
I had to do something, I decided to race down the stairs stealthily. I held my wand so tight; my pores started flowing out sweat.
“Silencio!” I yelled out. Sparks flew from my Alder and Dragon wand. My hand was shaking. The feeling of having to sin against a wizard who, probably has emotional dysfunctions
Malfoy came to abrupt stop to his voice. He was basically mouthing idiotically with an angst face. Slytherin gapped at me. I, was still looking at Malfoy, was too surprised. I can’t even Silencio a raven yet…Either Malfoy’s an easy target or I just have too much anger bottled up in me.
“Get…Lost, Malfoy,” I gasped my words out.
“Love, settle down…” his arm around my shoulders.
Malfoy was giving a sour face; his chin was on the floor. Embarrassed, he ran away from the Astronomy Tower. My wand was still in hand.
“OUT!” I yelled, pointing my wand at him afterwards the door.
“Hey, come on. Let’s just forget it.”
I wish Mr. Flitwick saw what I did: extra-credit to skip a year.
***
Christmas approaches with raging blizzards. They swiped away fallen leaves from the tall trees. Things in Ravenclaw Tower got comfier. The fireplace was blazing with beautiful flames warming up the atmosphere. Slytherin kid is always the Slytherin kid. He’s a nice guy; genuinely. Nobody has been talking about his ‘new witch’ for like the past week. I feel pretty okay. Malfoy and his cronies love to give sneers at me. Slytherin would yell at them, threatening he would quit the Quidditch team—just…for……me. See—he’s the…Keeper that lets Slytherin win for the past consecutive years so…Yeah. No one has ever done anything for me at all.
“Could you come by the Christmas Tree after the feast? Around nine?” he asked as we walked to the last class of the Christmas season.
“Oh sure!”
“Awesome,” he nodded with a smile then walked shuffled across the hall with his Quidditch Team for practice.
I should get him a Christmas gift; being so nice to me the whole term, it’s the least I could do especially after the Malfoy incident. I didn’t mean to Silencio him. He was such a noisy brat! I had to! Now…What do I get him? Uh…
I ran to the common room for help from whoever; Padma, Priscilla, Amelia; whoever.
“Guys?”
Barging in I came in our room, no one. Where are they? It’s the last day of the term’s class hours. They should be here by now. I should go check the Great Hall then.
My feet were at the maximum limit of speed now. Just along the way to the Great Hall, I stopped, thinking it’ll be useless if I asked what I should get him for Christmas. They barely even know him.
I stood there, helplessly staring into space trying to figure out the perfect gift. Come on, brain, work. Maybe some Golden Snitch pocket-watch I can get from Twilfitt and Tatting’s. They might have it, I hope.
Or should I put my craftsmanship to do something for him. Like carve something? But I can’t. I have at least…nine hours to do it. Carving will take heaps of time. I should go down to Diagon Alley rather than just standing here and wasting precious time. I fetched my scarf, gloves, coat and hat then rushed out the Entrance Hall’s doors. Snow, snow, snow; it’s everywhere! Strange though, everyone was in pairs or groups. Well. Okay then. Alone down to South Side of Diagon Alley I go.
I had to swerve through the bustling crowds. Witches and wizards were rushing to buy last minute Christmas ornaments, food, clothes and other things.
I finally got to the South Side of Diagon Alley. It definitely got even more crowded. Should’ve snuck out my Nimbus to make the journey a tad bit easier…Hmm.
And there it was, standing tall and proud on its base was Twilfitt and Tatting’s. Crooked figured mannequins were standing inside the glass window with a long black velvet dress robe and two gigantic puffy dresses that look like hand-me-downs from Marie Antoinette. The front door’s window was foggy and black inside the room. I’ve heard several stories about Malfoy’s mum, Narcissa, is one of the top customers. I don’t know, it’s some rumour or whatever.
As I pushed the door, the bell rang loudly, “Very well, 25 Galleons then!” the old witch screeched. I swear her voice almost cracked the windows.
I approached the counter quietly, shyly.
“What can I do for ya, missy?” the witch slammed on the counter. Boils were growing out of her long, pointy nose. Her skin was wrinkly, quite green and had several pimples.
“I’m…Looking for some pocket watch…That…Looks like a golden snitch?” I tried to avoid eye-contact with her.
“One of Flitwick’s best students, eh?” she asked spontaneously.
“Yeah…Sort of, but what do I know,” I laughed horribly, rubbing my arm up and down.
“Stop stammering at your words, dear. I won’t jinx ya. C’mon, I just have the right pocket-watch I’ve been saving up for over 50 years since I’ve migrated to Hogsmeade from France.
She limped to the back of the store, dodging her starry velvet veil hanging against an archway. The glass counters were pretty dusty. She was mumbling under her breath as we dodged more veils in the way. She had crystal spheres sitting still on their stands. Boxes sat in the corners of the yellow painted rooms have layers of draft on them. As we marched on into the back of the shop, the room became narrower. Finally, we were at the back of the shop. It was dark, musty and quite cramped with more boxes.
“I’ll only give this to one of Flitwick’s closest friends.” She reached for the tail of the switch hovering over me and pulled it down. Her weight shifted to the side, pressing against the old creaking wooden door. She yanked out a stool from a cupboard, placed it on the ground; kicking a few boxes that were in the way violently.
“I really don’t count myself as his closest friends…But, I am one of his students,” I said uncertain, as I watched her rummage through the upper cupboard with the sounds of clattering steel.
“Oh, stop being so modest, dear.”
Her entire head was now in the cupboard. The hinges squeaked incredibly loud whenever she jerks her elbows; whether left or right. Her granny dress swept the tiny stool as she kicked her leg into the air to get a closer look inside.
“This might take a little while!” she yelled from the inside.
“O-oh, that’s okay, I can wait.” My fingers shuffled anxiously. This is pretty awkward. Really? Me? Professor Flitwick’s friend?
More clatters rang from inside the cupboard. A couple of earrings dropped onto and into the boxes and floor. I picked them up cautiously, hoping she wouldn’t accidentally topple over on the stool and fall onto me.
Feathers from Hippogriffs were made into earrings. I felt disgusted at the sight of this even if it looks rather vintage-like. They probably went through hell having their feathers plucked from where-ever parts of their bodies.
A pearl beaded earring shone under the heavy yellow light. All the earrings that were in my fist were quite heavy for earrings. She was still rummaging through.
“Blimey, that’s a lot of steel matter you have in there,” I squeaked.
“Oh yes. It’s part of my collection. Was a wanderlust witch, used to travel with me husband in the early 40s. Got a carriage load of things from around the world.”
A few more minutes of clattering from her, finally cried, “Aha!”
She stepped down from the stool, shoved it back into the lower cupboard and unravels her bony fingers in front of me. A golden ball sat on her plump palm with a little pair of white wings sticking out from its sides. It was attached to a golden looped chain on top.
“Let’s head on outside, shall we? Haven’t been in this store for quite a time. I’d have to clean up this place eventually,” she placed her small, warm hand on my back then gestured me out to the glass counters outside.
She leaned against the counter full of bracelets, bangles, belts, earrings, buttons, brooches and hair accessories. I inclined my head to meet her eerie gaze while she stroked the golden surface of the pocket-watch.
“Now, not everyone of Flitwick’s friends can have this,” she spoke in a hushed tone.
I nodded my head firmly.
“Why do you need this?”
“Well…--“
“Keep it down,” her hand lowered down onto the painfully freezing glass.
Once again, I nodded my head, “Well, it’s for a…Boy back in Hogwarts—“
“Oooh,” her eyes popped out due to interest in the topic.
“No, no. Let me finish,” I lightly banged the counter with my hands, “He’s been really nice to me while the others hasn’t. So, I was thinking of getting him a gift for Christmas. And my deadline’s tonight. Since—“
“Since the boy plays Quidditch so you decided to get him a Golden Snitch pocket-watch?” she assumed curtly.
“….Exactly…”
“Sold.”
“Wha—just like that?” I was stunned. She hobbled to the cashier box, where she stores her income.
“Why, yes. It’s a precious artefact to not be taken granted for!” she cried followed by: “That’ll be a hundred Galleons, please.”
My hand scurried around my robe’s pocket for Galleons. I took a bagful of Galleons when I got here. Let’s just hope that I have sufficient Galleons to pay. It’s in mint condition. Thus, this is an offer I can’t back down from.
To my luck, I finally dug out a hundred Galleons but, instead I added a few more just to show my gratitude for giving the fine pocket-watch to me. Grateful, content and proud, I exited Twilfitt and Tatting’s after a friendly goodbye to the old witch.
I frolicked (slightly to avoid staring eyes) in the snow on the way back to Hogwarts after I managed to squeeze myself out from the forever cramped crowd moving slowly in between two rows of crooked cottage-looking shops.
After spending two hours in Diagon Alley, I slipped the palm sized pocket-watch into my pocket to avoid anyone glaring or taking takes at it as I passed through the gates of Hogwarts.
Passed by a couple of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff girls mingling around; talking about their Christmas holiday plans a few hours before the Christmas feast that will not happen until tonight.
Professor McGonagall and I exchanged nods when we passed by each other in the Entrance Hall. Students panicking around, looking for their essentials for packing to return home for the holiday season; some had already brought down their luggage from their dormitories. Several students hung out in the Great Hall to catch up with their OWLs and NEWTs. I sighed; their blabbering conversations led me to thinking that after Summer, I’d have to sit for my OWLs. I heard they’re hard; some said, “Of course it’s easy unless you study!”
I ran up the marble staircase, headed towards the Ravenclaw common room after rapping on the common room’s door. Today’s question was intimidating—sent shivers down my spines. My face turned ruddy answering it.
Davies, Padma, Parvati, Marietta, Anthony and Luna were huddled up in front of the fireplace. Luna was sitting upright while reading The Quibbler upside down. Her face: always was dreamy. Luna’s blonde and messy hair was worn loosely. Padma, Parvati and Davies were trying to solve a complex crossword from a crossword book they bargained for from Flourish and Blotts.
Marietta and Anthony were discussing a recap of this term’s Arithmancy lessons before heading back to London for Christmas. Her hair bobbing occasionally due to Anthony’s attempt to flirt.
Looking at them all grouped together like that made me wonder where on earth Amelia and Priscilla off to.
Silently, I snuck into the Girls’ dormitory behind the Rowena Ravenclaw statue. When I got in, I leapt onto my four-poster bed. After that, I whipped out the pocket-watch to examine the clock’s face. Rubbing the glass with my thumb, it was stuck at 2:30.
I reached for my wand in my sock, “Reparo.”
Ticking on, on and on the pocket-watch went. Who needs batteries, am I right?
Its little white pair of wings would flutter from time to time. I gazed into its ticking rhythm. Tick—tick—tick—tick—tick.
***
By accident, I dozed off into a heavy afternoon sleep. The pocket-watch snuggled itself on my chest covered by the sweaty palms of my hands. Annoying, shuddering Winter breezes banged themselves against the glass window, giving itself an eerie howl once in a while. The other side of the room was partially dark, while the other half that is divided by my four-poster bed was rather dim. I suspected it was almost nightfall or at least, I shall say, dusk. The candles on the bedside tables illuminated the room in their glass jars, ajar. How long was I out?
My wand laid by my side, sinking into the covers. I was basically peering around the room with my eyes all squinted up. The position I was sleeping in gave a sign that I was like a dying body. Wow, was I that tired?
A fiery red head bobbed slightly sitting on the bed next to me in the dark—letting sunlight coat its highlights.
“Priscilla?” I said in a hoarse voice.
She turned around slowly; baring her soulful electric blue eyes at me, “Oh hey. You’re awake; we were beginning to worry when you’ll wake up. The feast is in a couple of hours—oh and what’s that you’re holding?” Her index finger poked the Snitch as she approached my bedside. Its white fluffy wings started flapping again, this time more violently.
“It’s…A pocket-watch,” I squeaked.
“Let me guess; for the Pentagon?” she raised an eyebrow. Wonder in her eyes left. Her voice became harsh. She clicked on the lights and put out the candles.
“Umm…Yeah…I hope you don’t mind. He is rather a nice bloke.” I soaked into my own words, stroking the gold coating.
As we were about to continue on with the conversation, a loud knock blasted through the door. Priscilla got up instantly—in a state of shock. She cautiously opened up the wooden door. A very short man with round rimmed glasses with a tray of freshly baked muffins. Behind him was a scene full of Ravenclaws heading down to the common room. A few of them were carrying trays of muffins too.
“Come on, girls, it’s the time of the year again,” his squeaky voice said, he smiled as he left our doorway.
Priscilla and I exchanged excited glances, shrugged freely and started running down the stairs then into the common room where everyone in Ravenclaw were lounging around on the fat sofas, hanging around by the fire place; some were leaning against columns and walls: murmurs, mutters and smiling faces were seen and heard. Professor Flitwick placed the tray of muffins on the coffee table just in front of the fireplace. He stood on a four-legged stool and clapped his hand to get everybody’s attention, “It’s the time of the year again, my dear Ravenclaws. Who would like to charm the muffins with me this year?”
Eager beavers waved their arms in the air like they just don’t give a damn. They were too excited; shrieking in excitement.
“Ahh…” he looked around the crowd. “You—you. Yes, you.”
A girl screamed from the back of the room.
Professor Flitwick drew out his very short wand; so did the girl who was now standing in front of the trays of muffins together with Professor Flitwick.
“1…2…3…” he recited.
Silvery sparks flew from the tips of their wands like sparklers from the Yule Ball. Fellow Ravenclaws around us clapped in ecstasy; the boys were whistling and cheering Professor Flitwick’s name.
We all watched as the muffins danced their ways down the coffee table and to our feet.
“They’re boysenberry, dears,” he announced as he picked up one of his own muffins from the tip of his feet. “I traded a few Galleons for these from an American berry trader who was going around in Britain for some business.”
After we ate joyfully to the steady dancing beat of the muffins dancing away in our mouths, Priscilla and I headed back upstairs to our dormitories, right after we thanked Professor Flitwick for baking dozens and dozens of muffins for us. It was indeed scrumptious.
Locking the door of our room, plus, before we could even say a syllable, a loud and disrupting rap just outside the window; Thena, my majestic barn owl, hooted in fright. Her wings flapped wildly in her domed cage; eyes were starting to pop out.
A Screech owl cried in the blizzard with a roll of parchment tied onto one of its legs. It started to squawk loudly, “Alright, alright!” I yelled.
“Rude bird,” Priscilla mumbled while she pulled up her legs onto her bed then cracked open a book to read.
I pulled down the knob and swung open the glass. The owl flew directly in; leaving plenty of feathers flying around the room. The three of us, including the owl, shrieked in horror. It zoomed almost through us; it then started soaring high above our heads, still leaving layers of feathers. Priscilla continued on to scream on the top of her longs. Brown feathers with black roots kept drifting from the ceiling.
“Stop it!” I stomped my foot on the marble floor with my wand up in the air; aiming my wand at it; ready to curse the Impedimenta spell. It squawked twice as loud before for the last time then dropped on the floor.
Priscilla ran out, still, screaming. I groaned to the ceiling; throwing my fists in the air.
Suddenly, it stood up chirping and hopping on his legs the roll of parchment tied to his leg. I squatted down cautiously, “SERIOUSLY!”
I smacked its head. He hissed at me.
The string was fine; the knot was easy to untie. The owl came pecking my knee. Thena shook her cage wildly; it was going to fall any minute. I could tell he was begging for a treat. After claiming the parchment, I hopped over to the pouch where I store all of Thena’s treats. Right after I scooped a handful of them, I placed them onto the floor for the owl to feed on. He pecked them happily, occasionally looking up at me and squawking rudely.
“Ravenclaw,
Ravenclaw Girls’ Dormitories,
Ravenclaw Common Room,
Ravenclaw Tower.”
“My Ravenclaw,”
The first line made my heart swell. My eyes were completely fixated at the messy organisation scribbled onto the parchment.
“I’ve forgotten there’ll be no supper for today so, how about we meet at the Christmas tree around…Say…10 o’clock? Prefects are not on petrol today, so it’s alright to sneak out after curfew. I’ll see you at the Feast!
Slytherin.”
I started to remember those green illuminating eyes that love to glace into my pair. The way he loves to scoop the stacks of heavy books from under my arms. He gives me quick glances from across the Great Hall during breakfast, lunch and dinner with cute little smiles. My heart flutters whenever I see him.
I scattered the feather filled room, finding my scrolls of parchment and eagle feather quill together with my bottle of black ink. Ugh, I should clean it up first!
“Scourgify!” I said sharply while I twirled my Dragon and Alder wand at the messed up room.
The feathers collected themselves and started swirling around; creating a feather hurricane in the room; just a few inches away from the feeding owl. I grabbed a medium sized rucksack and opened it up. The rucksack vacuumed the hurricane of feathers with a loud sucking noise.
Slytherin’s owl and Thena hooted in harmony. I shushed them.
“Thena, head over to the Owlery. It’s bedtime, honey,” I stroked her glossy feathers. After that, she pecked my finger softly; showing affection towards me. I shuffled across the room, opened the window and just at that moment, Thena glided across the whole room, flew around in circles then headed out to the West Tower where she could snuggle up with other owls from Hogwarts.
His owl, meanwhile, was minding its own business: happily pecking on Owl Treats. I quickly grabbed by quill and piece of parchment and started writing.
“Slytherin,
Boys’ dormitories,
Slytherin common room, Dungeon.
Dear,”
Wait. Not…Dear. That’s weird. He might think I like him and all. I scribbled violently to make sure the word ‘dear’ was unseen.
“Slytherin,
Your owl is stupid. It hijacked my friend and I. Could you…Perhaps train it to have a better entering when it comes to mailing? Got our dorm room all covered with a blanket of feathers. Anyways, yeah, sure—10 sounds fine. I hope you didn’t get me anything big…Or expensive…Or both, I might add. See you at the feast.
Ravenclaw.”
I rolled it up, placed my quill back into the bottle of black ink, approached the very maddening owl of his, then said calmly, “Now, I’m gonna tie this letter to your leg…Easy, you brutal owl.”
It stopped pecking its Owl Treats, turn its head, unveiling its big yellow eyes at me, and cawed. His owl sure make weird bird noises a lot. Thena only hoots, clicks her beak and…That’s pretty much it. What is this abomination of his anyway?
I reused the string he used to tie his parchment.
“Slytherin, boys’ dormitories, Slytherin common room, Dungeon,” I muttered to it. His owl clicked its beak loudly and sped out of the window. Thus leading me to close the window ledge; I turned my back around; staring at Thena’s brass dome cage.
There was an instant creaking sound from the door, a fiery redhead peeked out with a pair of pale eyes, glancing around the room then back up to me, “It’s gone?”
I nodded with my lips pursed into a fine line.
“Good,” sighed Priscilla. “Padma’s calling both of us to come down to the Great Hall. The Feast is about to start.”
“I’ll be there in two minutes tops. Don’t wait up for me; I’ll catch up with you guys,” I beckoned her in a polite fashion.
“Thena’s at the Owlery with Pegasus, right?” said Priscilla before wincing out of the door.
I nodded, yet again with pursed lips. I had his letter in a tight grip; standing stiffly, I wasn’t going to bother to make my bed after glimpsing at my bed. Priscilla finally left the room. The room was still again; just me and two empty cages. The Golden Snitch pocket-watch sat openly on my bed.
“Oh boy…” I whispered in despair to myself. Chucking the prized pocket-watch and letter down into my robe’s pocket, slammed the door of our room shut, made my way down the marble staircase and pass the Rowena Ravenclaw statue then left the common room. I had a strange feeling I was the last one to exit the Ravenclaw Tower. It was awfully quiet in there with all the constant banging of the blizzard winds; howling the night away.
Everyone from all the four houses flooded the Entrance Hall, all trying to get into the Great Hall for the yearly Christmas feast.
Ravenclaw was lined up beside Slytherin (since our tables were neighbours). Ravenclaw’s single file was leaning up against the wall and in front stood a very short man with a pointy nose: Professor Flitwick was his name. Next to Ravenclaw’s single file; was Slytherin’s single file. I spotted Pansy and her gang of Slytherin girls, Malfoy and his cronies (Crabbe and Goyle), who would forget Slytherin?
He was staring into space; being the absent-minded freak he is. His oversized robe was clinging onto his shoulders. Suddenly, he twisted his torso to where I was standing (and walking towards my friends too—quietly), his eyes lit up the endless hall with a gleaming smile, and he ran over to me.
“Hi! You’re here!” he said cheerfully.
“Yeah…?” I raised an eyebrow, “I told you I’m…Not heading back to London for Christmas.”
“Oh, right!” he jumped with excitement—“I can’t wait for you to receive your present later!”
“Me too!” I pumped my fist in the air.
He stroked down my arm then nodded away, “I’ll see you later around ten.”
I walked to my house’s queue; feeling awkward. Padma nudged my arm with a mischievous smile plastered upon her face. I gave a small yelp from my throat.
Professor Flitwick gave us the signal to enter the Great Hall for the Christmas Feast. I looked back at where Slytherin was standing. There he was standing and waving like a complete idiot.
We were greeted by a long bench in front of humungous medieval gothic glass windows. Sitting there were Professor Dumbledore, Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, Professor Plank, Hagrid, Madam Hooch and Professor Sinistra. Professor Flitwick was marching his way up the platform on his stubby legs. Padma, Amelia, Priscilla and I settled ourselves down. Lit candles floated above us also across the room luminously. The ceiling showed the incredible night sky and the stars that held it. I glanced over at the Slytherin table: Malfoy, Pansy, Goyle, Crabbe and him sat down; having a few ghastly laughs from them excluding him.
“Looks good,” Amelia peeped approvingly.
The long stretch of food includes stuffed turkeys, spring rolls, sausages, sandwiches, stew, steak and kidney pudding, roast chicken, roast beef, pork chops, lamb chops, shepherd’s pie, Cornish pastries, casserole, mashed potatoes, sprouts, apple pies, custard tarts, rice pudding, mint humbugs and the list goes on. To wash the taste down was a golden goblet of pumpkin juice. Everybody was buzzing about how great the plates of food looked and smelled like. I was rather excited to get my smell receptors tingling.
A thundering clap cracked the chatter. Heads turned to Professor Dumbledore who was standing with pride and wearing a long olive green robe with stars and moons sewn with golden threads. His eyes behind his half-moon spectacles wandered around the Hall slowly as he had his golden goblet cupped in his wiry hand.
“I would like to wish all our dear seven and fifth-years; good luck on your O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts. I believe each and every one of you will pass with flying colours. Now, I wouldn’t want to hog your growling stomachs. Hence, we feast!”
The Great Hall rumbled with ecstasy from all the clapping, howling, whistling and yelling. It placed a broad smile on the Professors’ faces. The thin lips of Professor McGonagall curled up into a proud smile; her eyes were twinkling in the flickering candlelight. Professor Dumbledore sat down and others gorged from their golden plates of food; for I indulged myself from the food served. As we made a complete mess on the benches from eating like savages, snow fell from above.
After more than forty-five minutes of having our mouths stuffed like chipmunks, everyone was done licking off their golden plates. The Ravenclaws did a little merry toast. We clunk-and-clanged our golden goblets with each others’ whilst standing and reciting our House slogan out loud; “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure!” and followed up by; “To Rowena and Helena!”
The other three Houses watched us with goggled eyes. Professor Flitwick clapped with excitement; causing him to summon the instruments and charm them to play a cheerful symphony. Soon, the other Houses followed our toast.
“To Godric and Nearly Headless Nick!” yelled the snobby Gryffindors.
Clink!
“To Salazar and the Bloody Baron!” hissed the Slytherins.
Clink!
“To Helga and the Fat Friar!” laughed the Hufflepuffs adorably.
Clink!
The Ravenclaws gave a round of laughs, eye-rolls and scoffs because of how pathetic the other Houses’ toasts. The Professors were laughing joyously in a chorus. Professor Dumbledore abruptly stood up with his golden goblet raised high into the air, “Students, the Christmas season is upon us. May we be showered with snow, presents and love…Merry Christmas to all!”
Applause rang the room with glory. More snow piled in. I glanced over at the Slytherin table right next to us. He smiled with his eyes at me. Those were gorgeous eyes of his; just eyeing me with so much delight.
We went out with full stomachs. Food clung onto the walls of our stomachs as we walked into the Entrance Hall. Streams of golden sparkles flew around the castle—decorating with streamers, banners, Christmas ornaments and a giant Christmas tree stood in the middle of the Entrance Hall. It was fifty feet tall; decorated with colourful and gleaming ornaments; a gigantic golden star sat on top of the unusually tall pine tree. Wizards and witches passing by me gave me pats on the back, hand-shakes and smiles with Christmas greetings. Slytherin ghosted out from the scene. He gave me a faint (but still beautiful) smile and a weak wave after that raced up the hall to the Dungeons where the Slytherin common room was.
I hung out with Amelia, Padma and Priscilla for the last few hours before curfew strikes. We hung out around the library before calling it a night. It was five minutes to ten; I snuck out of the Ravenclaw room but only to be seen by our House ghost, Helena, daughter of Rowena around the stairs. I promised her to keep her lips sealed about tonight.
“Off to meet a Slytherin? I smell affair…” she clasped her hands softly with a gentle yet sturdy voice.
“Please, let me off the leash. It’s for a good cause,” I begged. She floated away; passing through the walls. Her two plaits from her long fringe tied behind her head.
I continued racing down the Ravenclaw stairs. My heart wasn’t so sure why was I so tempted to get there earlier before him; my pulse rate shot up to the sky. His eyes and smile appeared in my head; his luscious hair that was always mess especially when it’s under light. I yearned for his grip. I’m so weird. I really, really like him. My robe’s front pocket carried his pocket-watch.
“Lumos…”
Peeves the poltergeist passed by; luckily I hid behind a giant suit of armour on the way down from the Great Stairs. The candle lights on the way down to the Entrance Hall were dimmed down. The air was still and drafty. Filch limped around the corridors with his gas lamp hooked to his hand and also walked with his cane. I pulled on my brakes and zoomed behind a wall.
“Nox…”
The tip of my wand blew out. I tried to not trying to breathe. From earshot, I could hear him breathing from his mouth. His gas lamp illuminated behind the wall. I squeezed myself to the corner with my eyes shut tightly. He growled then limped away. My blood rushed through my veins like a marathon.
“Lumos…”
My wand lit on its tip again. The last fleet of stairs I went down to the Entrance Hall. The unusually large Christmas tree stood still with dancing Christmas lights and glossy big ornaments. A small silhouette stood a few feet away with its arms swinging around. I smiled to myself. The Entrance Hall from up here was quiet, dark and rather spooky. My feet decided to quietly tap the steps of the marble stairs without making a ruckus. I could hear my head and heart throbbing; trying to not panic, I finally made it down onto the ground. Hands were shaky, knees were wobbly; incoherent thoughts filled my nervous system—Merlin’s beard, what am I going to say to—
“Hi…” I whispered as I tapped the silhouette’s shoulder. Snow gathered around at the bottom of the Christmas tree; the lights were glowing endlessly by seconds. It felt airy, for once in Hogwarts.
The silhouette turned around; a gleaming smile spreaded out; eyes were beautifully wide open; cheeks were a faint pink.
“Hey!” he whispered back. “You made it!” he added. I noticed his hands were tied behind his back. Normally, I would decline gifts no matter how great they were but this one was an exception. I felt the golden snitch rolling around; its wings trying to break free from its wings; then the chains were rolling up.
“You first!” his eyes lit up. I looked down at my feet shyly, stammering words that will never ever make sense.
For once, I felt rebellious. Me, a Ravenclaw, out after curfew when everyone’s in their cosy beds sleeping on Christmas Eve. I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in this world—at all! By the minute, my heart raced faster; it was on hyper-drive. I wanted to head out to the lawn and have a snowball fight until Nargles get me.
“Al-alrighty, then,” I softly giggled. My hand dug into my pocket, “Are…Are you ready?”
He nodded firmly, still with a grin on his face.
I gnawed on my bottom lip hard I swore I made it bleed. My hands were getting clammy. I held onto the gold chains then held it out, “It’s not…That…--“
“This is crazy!” he yelled in a whisper. His jaw was on the floor. “How much did you--
“Umm…A few Galleons…”
He graciously took it from my grip. His eyes sparkled like stars; brighter than the Christmas lights; brighter than the ornaments: I avoided dazing into his eyes’ trance.
“Aww! I love it! Thanks!” he rolled it down into his robe’s pocket. “My turn!” he jumped excitedly.
I swung my arms happily with an idiotic grin on my face.
“Close your eyes…” he said dreamily; music to my ears.
My eyelids shut slowly. I felt my cheeks burn up. I heard the rustling of wrapping paper and a thump. The warmth of the Christmas lights radiated my sides.
“’Kay, open your eyes!”
So, I did. A big square stood before me wrapped with silver coloured wrapping paper. I threw a giggle fit (although I don’t know why I did so) while I unwrapped it in front of his eyes. After more giggles past, I stopped; a majestic book with a steel cover unveiled. It was carved with various lines and shapes of leaves. In the middle, a little rectangle frame that has a text written in calligraphy that wrote, “COUNTER JINXES, HEXES, CHARMS AND SPELLS”. It was as large as a medium-sized box of pizza back in London.
“It varies from…Defence spells to…Attack and stuff like that…So, you don’t have to go all the trouble to go to the library and search for the jinxes…Hexes, charms and spells you need. It gives information about their origins too! I flipped through it a couple of times…” he laughed lightly, scratching the back of his head anxiously.
I swore from that moment on, my eyes were about to swell up; instead, my heart swelled with joy. My cheek muscles were about to strain due to my prolonged smiles. I was amazed, stunned, bamboozled—everything. The book: it’s…It’s perfect.
“Do…you…Do you like it?” he blinked sweetly.
“Yeah, yeah, I really, really do,” I nodded with an assuring tone.
“Great! I have another present I want to give!”
Yet again he managed to curve the corner of his lips into a smirk. I felt we had the whole castle to us. Pin-drop silence (excluding a few giggling fairies from outside that lights up the lawn from the roses bushes); nothing but that.
“Really? That’s not really fair. I only got you a present. You got me presents.”
He chuckled whole-heartedly. I assumed the words I said were surprisingly humorous.
“Just…Just close your eyes. No peeking,” he looked me deep in the eyes.
Once more, I closed my eyes. I had a feeling that this present was different.
“No…Peeking…” he murmured. Something overshadowed my breathing space. My incoherent thoughts started yelling in my head. Everything was going too fast; yet time stood completely still for us—I mean, generally me. Blood pressure was rising up into my head. I felt a rush of warm air blow across my cheek, nose bridge, to the other side of my cheeks. The hair on the back of my neck stood. A wave of non-existent feelings barged in—causing my thoughts to yell louder, my heart pump faster and my breathing to grow rapidly abnormal.
“Still…No…Peeking…” he murmured, from earshot, it was crystal clear.
Soon, I felt the tip of his nose poking around my cheek; his eyelashes brushing against mine. His hands raced down my arms. Our cheeks and foreheads touching.