Annabelle ♡ Regulus Black ♡

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

"Hold still!" Ari huffed, waving the mascara wand at me again. It was my first Date with Jos and Ari was really set on doing my makeup.

I squirmed away. "I told you, I don't want makeup! We're only going to Hogsmeade."

Ari rolled her eyes. "But it's a date! Don't you want to look extra nice for Jos?"

"He likes me fine without all that. Can you just help me with my hair please?" I pleaded.

With a dramatic sigh, Ari set down the makeup and helped style my hair into loose waves. I had selected a cozy cream jumper and dark jeans for the date.

Once ready, I made my way to the commonroom to meet Jos, feeling nervous excitement stirring. When I saw him waiting, stylishly casual in a button-down and jacket, my heart skipped a beat.

His face lit up as I approached. "Wow, you look beautiful," he said, kissing my cheek.

I blushed, taking his offered hand. "Thanks. You don't clean up so bad yourself."

We talked and laughed easily on the walk to Hogsmeade, just enjoying each other's company. The Three Broomsticks was bustling when we arrived. Jos found a small table for two and brought over butterbeers.

"To us," he said, clinking my bottle. I smiled happily. The atmosphere was warm and cozy inside the Three Broomsticks. The chatter of fellow students mixed with the crackling of the fireplace, creating a delightful ambiance for our first date. I took a sip of the butterbeer, savoring its sweet taste, while Jos smiled at me.

"So, Anni, tell me, what's your favorite subject at Hogwarts?" Jos asked, leaning in with genuine interest.

I thought for a moment before replying, "Charms, definitely. I love the intricacies of spellwork and how it can be both challenging and rewarding. How about you?"

"I'm a fan of Defense Against the Dark Arts," Jos admitted. "It's fascinating to learn about different magical creatures and spells designed for protection. And of course, it's a practical subject, given the times we live in."

I nodded in agreement, appreciating his thoughtful response. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on various topics from favorite Quidditch teams to the meaning behind our Patronuses. Jos revealed that his Patronus was a wolf, a symbol of loyalty and courage, while mine was a dolphin, representing harmony and intelligence.

As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice how Jos made me feel at ease. His charming smile and witty remarks kept me engaged, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company. We shared stories about our families, our dreams for the future, and even our favorite colors.

"Mine's blue," Jos said, his eyes sparkling. "It's the color of the sky on a clear day, so endless and full of possibilities. What about you, Anni?"

"I love green," I replied with a smile. "It's the color of life, representing growth and renewal. There's something calming and hopeful about it."

Jos nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Green suits you," he said softly, his gaze lingering on mine. Throughout our conversation, Jos was charming and witty, his words flowing effortlessly. He shared funny anecdotes from his childhood, making me giggle at his antics. His storytelling was captivating, and I couldn't help but be enchanted by his charisma.

As we walked back to Hogwarts, the chilly night air around us.I linked my arm through Jos's, feeling a pleasant warmth spreading through me despite the cold. "Tonight was really wonderful," I said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us.

Jos smiled down at me, his eyes soft. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time too."

"I've never met someone who can make me laugh so easily," I admitted, feeling a bit vulnerable but also genuinely appreciative of his company.