Secrets and Misery

TWENTYONE

Chapter 20

A couple days have passed since the incident with Fred, everything was the same between us and I can't say I was surprised.

Professor Mcgnagall had us griffindors meet in the great hall without telling us why. I was mainly chatting with Hermione so I wasn't hearing to what she was saying, that was until she asked Ron to step up.

"What is going on?" I asked George who was on my other side.

"There's going to be a ball, Mcgongall has asked Ron to dance with her."

"Oh Merlin, this will be fun."

We watched as Ron awkwardly stepped toward the professor and started dancing together. After she explained how the dance worked she told us to join them. I was going to ask George but I saw him looking up at Angie.

"You should ask her, she's a good dancer unlike me. I'll definitely step on your feet." George went up to her and they both joined the dance floor.

I was left alone wondering who I would ask now.

"If u wanted to dance with me you could've ask, no need to make a scene by sending George away." A voice said from behind me, there was no doubt on who that was.

"Actually I was going to ask Harry." I said to Fred and walked off.

I was very glad to find Harry standing alone looking for someone to dance with. I approached him and offer him my arm to join me on the dance floor. He gladly accepted.

-

Everyone was excited about the ball since it was announced a few days back. Of course all the girls were nervous wondering who was going to ask them or if they were even going to be asked. I had talked with George about it, and I knew even if he didn't tell me that he wanted to ask Angelina. Still we had made a pack that if no one asked us we would together.

After classes ended I went to the library to met up with Hermione. This wasnt rare for us, we liked to study together even if we werent studying the same thing.  Sometimes I would help Hermione understanding things, but not too often because she was really smart, probably smarter than me. Today it wasnt any diferent than any other day, we sat down at our usuall table and placed our homework on the table along with some books. After some time I realised that I needed a book for my transfiguration essay.

"Mione, Ill be right back. I need to fetch a book." I said as I got up and left. She responded with a light nod still nose dip into a book.

I browsed the shelves reading the book titles looking for somethign that might help me. Eventuaally, I found one that could work, and so I went to grab it. It was one of the higher shelves so i couldnt quite reach it fully. I was on my tiptoes, barely touching the book. Thats when I saw a hand grab it from behind me. I turned around realising how close the person was to me. I looked up to see a familiar face. Cedric.

"here." he said as he handed me the book. He took a few steps back, realising the proximity between us. "you look lovely by the way."

"thank you, ced." I took the book in my hands and stared walking away slowly. "See you around."

"see you." I walked for a few seconds before he retracted himself "wait, Elle."

I stopped and faced him. "Yes, Ced?"

"Um I was wondering if maybe," He was noticeably nervous which was cute. "Maybe you'd like to be my date to the ball?"

I was visibly surprised at his request, never did I expect someone like him to be asking me out. I didn't have a reason to think about my response, he was handsome, nice and respectful. But still something inside of me was disappointed that it was Cedric. And not someone else, someone whom I shouldn't be thinking about.

"I would like that, thank you Cedric." Is all that I manage to say.

"Great, then I'll see you then Elle." He waved and walked away.

And so I walked back to hermione. I didnt think she noticed i had come back and if she hadn't bother aknowledging it. I opened the book i had just got to continue my essay only to notice the time.

"Oh shoot, Mione you'll have to excuse me I need to get back to the common room George is waiting for me." I jumped out of my seat, instantly leaving the library.

"See you later Elle!"

I was walking down the corridor as I left the library and went into the common room. Right as I went in I overhead a couple voices talking. I recognised them immediately. Fred, George and Lee were discussing an unknown topic to me.

"Shut up and ask her, we all know u want to." said Lee.

"I do not. George, tell him I do not." Fred responded.

"sorry brother, i have to side with Lee on this one. We all see the way you look at her, you're practically in love mate."

I heard an angry groan coming from Fred "I DONT LIKE HER!"

Then everything was silent except from some footsteps. After a little over thirty seconds I took it as a signal to walk in the common room completely, so I did.

As soon as I looked at the boys, George turned my way and smiled at me. It looked as though Fred and Lee had left and it was only him left so I joined on the couch.

"Where were you Ellie?" George's asked me.

"I was studying in the library, unlike you I actually want to pass my exams."

"Whatever, let's talk about more interesting stuff now that you're here. Do u have a date to the ball yet?"

"Actually, I do. Cedric just asked me in the library."

"Whaaat?!"

"Yeah I know, who would've guessed?" I chuckle and looked to the fireplace. "He asked me only moments ago in the library."

"Why don't u sound happy?" When u turned to look at him I could see his concern towards me.

"I am happy."

"Tell that to your face then."

I faked smile to satisfy him, to which he responded by rolling his eyes. I understood what he was referring to but I wasn't sure if I wanted to admit it just yet. I let out a sigh that gave him the opportunity to continue speaking.

"I know what that means, I'm not going to pressure u you into talking but I'm not going to pretend I don't see you upset." He always cared about me in a way I wished I could care for other people, made me feel secure and comfortable. For that, he deserved to know what I was thinking.

"You could say I am a bit upset Cedric was the one that asked..."

"And not someone else?"

"And not him."