As the days got colder, and December was nearing, Aly had finally gotten more comfortable with her classes and her schedule. Her, Noia, Madi, and Kim were all in the library for a study session, under Noia's request — much to everyone else's dismay.
"I should be practicing right now! I can study for this later," Madi exclaimed, slouching back in her chair and crossed her arms, pouting.
"You guys don't even have practice anymore until after the break. What are you on about?"
"Okay but I need to practice. You know, to get better than I already am," she said smugly.
"Uh right, and plus, it's almost break anyways! What are we even studying for," Aly quipped in.
"We still have homework though," Said Kim.
Aly rolled her eyes, "Why don't you two just study together then," Madi nods her head eagerly agreeing.
"Kim is only here 'cause everyone else is. I had to practically drag her out of her dorm. Which was extremely hard getting past all the staring Hufflepuffs," Noia explained.
Aly shot Kim a weird look. "I thought you liked studying,"
"And Noia!" Madi cut in, shocked, "Whats with the sudden prejudice against him?"
"Madi, define prejudice," Noia deadpanned.
Madi gaped "I'm on your side!!" She helplessly exclaimed.
Kim ignored this comment and shrugged, "I prefer to study alone. I can't focus as well with others — wait Aly — whats your excuse? You don't even have one, do you? You just don't want to study,"
Aly shrugged, "You're right, I don't,"
"Um hello there," said a voice beside their table. They look up to see Hermione awkwardly standing there.
"Granger," Aly acknowledged, at the same time Madi went: "Hey, 'Mione!"
Guess they've gotten closer since "the Halloween incident" Aly thought.
"Hello! I couldn't help but over-hear your guys' conversation and —" she paused to clear her throat. "If they don't want to study with you, I can! I'm first in all my classes and I know you are super smart too and my friends all hate studying and —"
"Thanks for the offer, Granger, but I'm gonna decline," Noia cut her off.
Hermione's face dropped, then she nodded. "Well... alright," she said then turned on her heel and left.
Noia looked unfazed and continued on with their school work.
"What?" He said after noticing everyone else staring at him.
"Why would you decline? She doesn't seem that bad..." said Kim first, looking to Aly and Madi to back her up.
"She's honestly super cool when you get to know her. Funny too! Shares the same distaste I do for Weasley,"
Aly shrugged, "Shes alright,"
"Well I just don't like her, okay? Gets on my nerves," Noia muttered.
"You've barely spoken to her!" Kim defended.
"You haven't either! Why are you defending her?"
"It's so she doesn't have to study with you anymore," Madi snickered.
Kim elbowed her, "Thats obviously not it. I'm just saying —"
"Can we just move on?" Noia pleaded.
The girls shared a look and obliged.
