Cold Beauty (Harry Potter)

Crouch

"You're one lucky chap, you know?" Bella groaned as she stretched her arms and talked to Alexandra. Alexandra, Nicholas and Bella were in the Slytherin common room. The whole common room was pleasantly silent. The only sound was when students talked to each other but in low voices. 

Since the exams were coming up, most students were busy studying. Nicholas and Bella had their parchment and quills out as they wrote notes while Alexandra just relaxed as she sat next to them. 

Since she was a Triwizard champion, she was exempt from exams and didn't have to study for them. She was actually grateful for it though. For the first half of the school year, she had been so busy with homework as well as training for the first and second tasks. Now that she had finally gotten a break, she could finally relax for a little while before the Third task comes up. 

"I know," Alexandra grinned back at her friend. 

"It's already hard studying for the exams. Don't rub the fact that you don't have to study in our faces," Nicholas retorted, half-annoyed and half-joking. 

"I don't have to study for the exams-" Alexandra broke out in a sing-song voice. 

"Don't rub it in!" Bella and Nicholas replied in unison, making Alexandra let out a soft chuckle. 

"That's enough studying for me," Bella sighed as she rolled up her notes and closed her book, taking it in her arms as she got up from her chair. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight," she said as she stifled a yawn. 

"Goodnight," Alexandra and Nicholas replied. Even when Bella was gone, Nicholas continued to read from his Herbology book, occasionally writing down important notes. Alexandra sat in the chair next to him, quietly reading a book she had borrowed from the library. 

"That's it," Nicholas broke the silence. He finally put his book and quill down. "I'm taking a break." He comfortably slouched on his armchair, running his hand through his hair.

"Well, good, cause I was getting bored," Alexandra put down her book as well. Right now, Alexandra, Nicholas and another seventh-year Slytherin were the only ones in the common room but the seventh-year left just as Alexandra put her book down. Now Alexandra and Nicholas were the only ones in the common room. 

"In all the places and rooms in Hogwarts, which one's your favourite?" Nicholas suddenly asked as he looked at Alexandra. 

"I guess it's the Astronomy Tower...or the library. Yup, definitely the library," Alexandra replied. "I like quiet in there."

"Or was it because the last time we were in there, we kissed?" Nicholas teased. This time, however, Alexandra didn't blush and just burst into laughter. 

"Well, that too," she agreed jokingly. "And also because I just like reading in general."

"Why do you though?" 

"This is going to sound a little ridiculous but my father used to read me bedtime stories when I was six years old. I guess that's when I started to like reading," Alexandra explained. 

"That's not ridiculous, that's sweet," said Nicholas. "What about that book you were reading just now? What's it about?"

"It's about a boy who fell in love with a girl but can't tell her for fear of getting hurt," Alexandra said. 

"How does the story end?" Nicholas asked. 

"I don't know yet. I'm only halfway through the book."

Nicholas simply nodded in understanding. Suddenly, his face turned more serious. "Alexandra...are you ever scared of failing?" Alexandra raised an eyebrow, a little surprised but the sudden deep question, but still answered him nonetheless.