Incendio

Chapter 27: The Weird Sisters

"You and Lee aren't together still right?" Hermione asked randomly the next Monday after Ancient Runes, interrupting Samantha's thoughts.

Samantha shook her head. "Goodness no, we aren't together."

"I heard you and Adrian Pucey had a moment after the Gryffindor party. Odd choice by the way if true. Elsie Overbast said it, so I'm not sure how reliable that is."

Samantha threw her head back slightly, "How did Elsie Overbast find out about that?"

"So it did happen?"

"It did happen. But not how I assume Elsie is spreading the story." Samantha wrinkled her nose, "It was nothing more than us running into each other in the hallway. He tried to ask me out as a distraction because my brother and Warrington were both sneaking out of the castle. They were caught though."

Samantha tried to see her brother to ask him what had happened Saturday night, but it seemed he was avoiding her completely. She wondered why he would try to leave the castle. He was seventeen, was he thinking about pulling a Fred and George and leaving Hogwarts early? He hadn't mentioned anything to her or her parents.

"That's good that they were caught." Hermione insisted. "It's dangerous out there right now." 

"Yeah. I have no idea what would have compelled them to sneak out, but I never know why my brother does anything." Samantha rolled her eyes. "I also slapped Pucey."

"We've all been there." Hermione shrugged.

"You've slapped Pucey too?"

"No, but I've slapped a Slytherin. What I'm trying to ask you, is if you two are an item?"

"Merlin's beard no." Samantha squished her books closer to her chest wondering who Hermione had slapped. "Why are you so suddenly concerned with my love life?"

"Do you have a date for the slug party yet? I know you were invited." She continued.

"I was invited, but I don't have a date." Samantha had forgotten about Slughorn's Christmas party. They were supposed to bring dates.

"Were you going to ask anyone?"

Samantha didn't actually have a plan. "No, I planned on going alone."

"Oh good." Hermione observed.

Samantha responded turning back, "Why?"

"Well, Harry needs a date. The situation could be seen as precarious if he doesn't go with someone trustworthy." Hermione continued. "You know about the love potion rumor right?

"I've heard the rumor, but I'd rather not be the target of jealousy. Elsie has sent enough of that to me this year." Samantha nodded, "Plus Gin would kill me."

Hermione looked confused. "She's with Dean."

"And you and I both know who she likes far more." Samantha insisted. "I will not allow a boy to come between my best friend and I."

"So? She'd realize he was perfectly safe from love potions if he went with you." Hermione argued.

"It'd be a betrayal. How would you feel if I asked Ron out sometime?"

Hermione turned red. "Obviously, I would not be bothered."

Samantha laughed. "How you have reacted to Lavender the last two nights, is proof enough for me."

Lavender and Parvati had been loudly discussing Lavender's newest tryst with Ron in their shared dormitory. It was quite obnoxiously detailed. Not to mention, Hermione had been almost reduced to tears over it.