Make me Hate You - Matteo Riddle

Chapter 19 - the Date

Aurora and Ashley buzzed with excitement as they prepared for their date with Rico and Devon - the two cute Slytherin 7th years. Aurora slipped into a very short black skirt, accentuating her legs, and paired it with a white top and a leather jacket. Long black stockings adorned with bows added a playful touch, and she completed her look with black kitten heels, 'my legs are my best feature - might as well show them off.'

Meanwhile, Ashley opted for a charming red dress adorned with cherries, the bouncy fabric lending an air of elegance, complemented by her taller red heels.

In front of the mirror, they applied eyeliner and lipstick, adding the finishing touches to their outfits. Giggles filled the room, contrasting with Mara's annoyed scoff as she sat on her bed, engrossed in her reading, seemingly indifferent to their excitement. Despite the disapproving glance, Aurora and Ashley were undeterred, eagerly anticipating their outing together.

Aurora and Ashley descended the stairs to the common room, their presence drawing the attention of everyone around them. Despite the stares, they walked with confidence, determined not to let the scrutiny affect them. Among the onlookers, Aurora locked eyes with Tyler, sensing his annoyance at her presence. Their strained relationship lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the room. They had not talked since the party and Aurora was glad. From what she could tell, Matteo and Tyler were okay, they weren't super buddy-buddy like before, but they still talked, laughed and spent time together. She was happy she hadn't ruined a long friendship.

Amidst the gazes, Matteo stood out, his intense stare piercing through Aurora. Feeling the weight of his gaze, she hesitated, her heart racing with apprehension. However, she remained composed, refusing to let his scrutiny unsettle her. As they approached their dates, Rico greeted Aurora with a compliment, saying:

"Wow, you really are the most gorgeous girl in school," that made her blush, momentarily distracting her from the lingering tension in the room.

With a hug exchanged, they left the common room, Aurora still aware of the eyes following them. Suppressing the urge to look back, she focused on moving forward, eager to enjoy their outing and put the unsettling atmosphere behind them.

...........

The four of them arrived in Hogsmeade, greeted by the charming sights and sounds of the bustling village, adding a magical touch to the scene. Aurora and Ashley's breath misted in the air as they walked, their anticipation mounting for the day ahead.

Rico and Devon, their dates for the day, walked alongside them, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets. Aurora couldn't shake the feeling of Rico's eyes on her, his gaze lingering a little too long on her legs. Despite feeling a bit self-conscious, she tried to brush it off, focusing on the excitement of exploring Hogsmeade.

The village was alive with activity, Hogwarts students weaving in and out of shops, laughter filling the air. The windows of Honeydukes displayed an array of colourful sweets, enticing passersby with their sugary delights. Zonko's Joke Shop emitted bursts of laughter from within, tempting students to come in and explore its playful offerings. As they meandered through the streets, Aurora couldn't help stealing glances at the quaint storefronts, marveling at the magical charm of Hogsmeade. Each shop seemed to hold its own enchanting secrets, waiting to be discovered. Finally, they reached the Three Broomsticks, its cozy interior beckoning them inside. Rico and Devon offered to buy the drinks while Aurora and Ashley found a table to sit at. The warmth of the pub enveloped them as they settled in, the aroma of butterbeer and hearty food filling the air.

But as Ashley's gaze swept across the room, it froze upon spotting Matteo and Faize sitting in a nearby booth. Surprise and confusion flickered across her features as she turned to Aurora, seeking an explanation for their unexpected presence.