Starlight// FW

Gaggles of Giggling Girls

**** 

 "We literally have not talked about it once since it happened", I shrugged, "But honestly, I don't really mind". Roger narrowed his eyes, "He better not be taking advantage of you". I snorted, "I'm the one who kissed him". Roger shrugged, taking a bite of his breakfast. The ceiling above us was covered with snow, flurries falling down just above our heads, but never touching us. I think it's great", Hazel said, shoving me.

"I'm just glad I had my first kiss", I smiled, picturing it in my head, "It was pretty perfect". We were about to start kissing again when Madame Pinch had burst into our little row of books. We basically flew apart. Fred had bent down, handing me my book. He had given me one last look, and then he was gone. 

It had been a day since, and I hadn't had the opportunity to find him. But to be fair, I was very busy, and I'm sure he was too. Finals were coming up, and on top of that news spread through the school of a ball that would be taking place over Christmas. It was all anyone seemed to be able to talk about. Who was going to ask who, what you would be wearing, what would the food be like? It seemed frivolous to me, but I couldn't deny that the thought of going to a ball made my heart flutter just a tad.

"Do you think he's going to ask you?", Roger said, "To the Yule Ball?". I chewed on the inside of my cheek, "I mean I'm not sure. But I won't be going to the ball, I have to go home to see my father". "No!", called Hazel, "You have to stay!". I deflated. The feelings of frustrations were growing in me. I knew that if I told my dad I wanted to stay at school over the holidays to go to a ball, he would be upset. He liked to use the holidays to check in with me, to make sure I was up on my school work and doing well. He said he was too busy to write and was rarely even home himself.

I sighed, taking a bite of my food. "You made her feel bad", scowled Hazel. "It wasn't on purpose!", he said, raising his hands. I looked at the pair of them, "It wasn't you that made me feel bad, it's my stupid father". They looked at each other quickly. They knew I didn't have a great relationship with him, and that I hated talking about it. "I just wish I didn't feel a burden to go home during the holidays and check in with him. He gives me absolutely nothing to work with, so why should I flatter him?".

Roger nodded. Hazel sighed, letting out, "My advice is to just write to him. Say you want to stay and ask his opinion on it. If he doesn't respond, take that as a yes, you can stay". I thought about it for a moment. I guess it didn't hurt to ask. "Yeah, I think I'll go do that now". I smiled and stood. "How do you always know what to say?", Roger let out. "How do you always know what not to say?", she joked back. I heard the pair laugh as I exited the Great Hall and began making my way up to the owlery.

When I reached the tower, I sat down on the ground. Reaching in my bag and grabbing parchment and a quill, I began to write.

Father,

I hope that these past months have been treating you well. I'm sure that you are well aware about the exciting events taking place at school this year. That's what I'm writing about. During this Christmas holiday is the Yule Ball. It is an educational as well as social opportunity that I would like to participate in.

I know that you prefer for us to be together during the holidays but I would regret to miss this opportunity. Please write soon.

Yours,

Sawyer

P.S. I'm doing very well in my studies, I've even become a tutor to a couple of fellow students

I set down the quill. My letter was worded well, and I felt like it got my point across in a concise way. Smiling to myself, I attached it to the leg of a school owl and sent it off. I stood, brushing the dust off my pants and tightening my ponytail. Then, the door swung open. "Oh, hello Sawyer", smiled Harry. I waved at him, "Great job on the first task!".

He grinned, "Thanks. I just saw Fred and George leaving, did you run into them?". I shook my head, "Must have missed them". We stood there for a moment, "Well, I should be going. It's always good to see you". He nodded, "You, too". I left, feeling a little disappointed that I had missed the twins. Well, one twin in particular.

I was deep in thought when a light voice called my name. "Sawyer!", I turned. "Oh, hello Cho", I said. I guess everyone was using the owlery this morning. Cho was a year younger than me, also in Ravenclaw. She was very pretty and very athletic. We didn't have much in common, but we weren't not friends.

"Can we talk for a moment?", she said, looking nervous. I raised my eyebrows, "Um, yeah. Sure.". Cho and I moved to the side of the hall and she let out quickly, "I don't know how to say it so I'm just going to say it. Cedric asked me to the Yule Ball. And I said yes". I was taken aback. Why had I not thought that Cedric would be asking someone? I didn't expect him to ask me by any means but Cho? I had never even seen them talking.

"Oh!", I let out. "I just thought I'd let you know. I know that you two used to be an item", she said, looking guilty. I smiled. The truth was, it didn't really bother me. That's the moment I knew I was truly over him. "Thank you, Cho", I said, "It's really nice you told me. And I totally support it". She exhaled, looking relieved. "Do you have a date yet?", she said, over excitedly. I snorted, "No, I'm not even sure I'm going".

"You have to!", she let out. "We'll see", I said, "You never know". Cho stuffed her hands in her pockets, "Well, I have to go send my letter but thank you for understanding". I nodded, "For sure". She gave me an awkward hug and then bounded up the stairs. I stood there for a moment then let out to no one in particular, "Well, I guess he has a thing for Ravenclaws".