Beginners: book 1, Goblet of Fire

The Tower

I awake the next morning curled up in the corner of the couch, under a blanket, with Crookshanks purring next to me. I dimly remember Harry getting up, and gingerly placing me down here as to not wake me. The pale morning light sleeps through the window, and this late into the winter it must mean I've nearly slept in. By the time I reach the girl's dormitory stairs, I can hear voices in the hall, calling good morning to each other. At this point, Hermione has learned to ignore when I come into the dorm in the morning, having spent the night downstairs. We go about our usual routine, putting on our uniforms and making ourselves look presentable. We meet the boys, Harry gives me one extra once over, who knows why, and head down to breakfast.

By the time I'm scooping scrambled eggs onto some cheese bread, I've practically forgotten about last night. We're chatting aimlessly about the second task, if Harry found anything last night and where we should look next. Harry was sitting across from me, able to see out into the great hall, clears his throat and gestures behind me. I turn just in time to see Luis walking up to us. He stops behind me, looking at my friends.

"Good morning," he says, which they return, Ron a little flustered. He leans down so he can whisper in my ear. "What are you doing tonight?"

My cheeks flush. "Nothing that I know of, why?"

"Can I take you on a date?" Everyone shoots me inquisitive looks, unable to understand him.

"Yes, um, of course. When, where?" He smiles, which sends butterflies through my stomach.

"After dinner, meet me in ze Entrance 'all."

"Okay," I stammer. "Looking forward to it."

"So am I." He winks, which sends another jolt through me, then straightens, nods at my friends, and heads back to his table.

"What was that about?" Ron says, muffled by the toast in his mouth.

"Oh, um, he wants to meet up tonight, after dinner." I'm still dazed by the interaction. Hermione elbows me under the table and gives me an excited look, which I return. "It means I can't come to the library today, sorry," I say, looking over at Harry, whose brow is furrowed.

"Erm, don't worry about it. Maybe we should take tonight off anyway." He says, shooting me an almost genuine look.

I use the break after classes to run and shower. I put on jeans and a nice sweater under my robes, hoping that if I wrap them around myself no one will notice. The excitement is enough to wake me from a stupor I hadn't realized I'd fallen into. Each day was like the last, working on school, and when we've got free time using it to find Harry a way to get through the second task. Socialization was at a bare minimum, and it was driving me mad. Most importantly, I hadn't gotten myself ready since the Yule Ball. Going through the motions of shaving, exfoliating, and moisturizing makes me feel human again.

"You look nice," Hermione says from her bed. Harry stayed true to his word and agreed that everyone should take a night off from our frantic searching.

"Thanks. Hey, what's happening with you and Victor? Is he going to take you out soon?" I say while picking out jewelry.

"I don't know, he hasn't offered yet." She looks a little disheartened, making me feel bad for bringing it up. "Maybe on the next Hogsmeade trip, he must be busy too, trying to find a way through this task."

"Yeah, I don't know who wouldn't be. Four heads put together couldn't turn up anything, I can't see Krum and Kakaroff doing any better." Her face lightens and she nods, relief floods over me.

"Right, dinner?" I say, standing in front of the mirror surveying all my choices.

"Yes," Hermione pops up from her bed and we find the boys in the common room, playing wizards chess. We all go down to dinner, it not being a feast the attendance is rolling with constantly replenishing dishes. I eat in a haze, unable to focus on the conversation we're having with the twins. I keep shooting glances at the Ravenclaw table, looking for a bright mop of hair, but it never comes. My nerves build almost to the point of breaking by the time we've all eaten. Dazed, I get up with everyone else and make my way out of the hall. Standing next to the bottom step of the marble staircase, in a light blue button up and khaki pants is Luis. I quicken my step to him, relief so powerful flooding over me it makes my knees week.