The Blooms of Betrayal

15. Fourth Year: For Us

June 23rd 1995

The end-of-year exams had finally come to a close, and the air inside Hogwarts was buzzing with a mix of relief and excitement. Giselle let out a long, contented sigh as she and her friends made their way up to Gryffindor Tower, the weight of studying finally lifted off their shoulders.

"I can't believe it's over!" Hermione exclaimed, her usual studious expression giving way to a rare, unguarded smile.

"You did brilliant, Hermione," Ron said, grinning. "Not that we expected anything less from you."

"Well, we all did fine," Hermione replied modestly, though a proud glint sparkled in her eyes. "But I'm just glad it's done. Now we can relax, at least for one night."

Giselle smiled, walking beside Hermione as they turned the final corner toward the common room. The day had been long and exhausting, the written exams stretching their minds to the limit. But now, the promise of a Ravenclaw party loomed ahead, and for the first time in weeks, it felt like they could breathe. The third task of the Triwizard Tournament was tomorrow, but tonight? Tonight, they were going to let loose.

She knew that the party would really take it out of her so she decided a full day to lay in her bed with her enchanted CD player, and a book would do perfectly.

Hours passed and she dozed and finished her novel. By the time it was 7 in the evening girls were bustling around getting ready for the party.

"It doesn't even start until 10, Lavender!" Giselle whined and hid under her covers.

"Right but everyone is invited to this party! Everyone above fourth year I mean." Lavender was brushing her hair for the 10th time.

Giselle groaned because that meant no Avery, or Ginny. They were probably off doing something together anyway.

...

As they stepped through the door to the Ravenclaw common room, a burst of laughter and music greeted them. The common room had been transformed into a celebratory hub. Streamers hung from the ceiling, enchanted to shimmer in Ravenclaw blue and silver. Tables were laden with food and Butterbeer, while students were already dancing to the tunes coming from a magically enhanced record player in the corner. A dark blue hue hung in the air.

"Looks like they didn't waste any time getting started," Harry said, a grin spreading across his face as they stepped inside.

Giselle was not feeling particularly nervous. She was wearing a short black skirt, her loafers, and a red square neck blouse that hugged her curves.

Fred and George Weasley were at the center of the chaos, passing out drinks and leading a group of students in a chant. The energy was infectious, and Giselle couldn't help but feel her own spirits lift as she joined in the celebration. She was a bit confused as to why the Ravenclaws would host the end of term party, but now understood that the house that values knowledge most, would be the house to celebrate exams well done.

"About time we have some fun," she said, nudging Hermione, wearing a long dark purple dress, her hair tied up. "Come on, let's get some Butterbeer!"

Hermione hesitated for a moment, but the laughter and joy around them was too contagious to resist. Soon, they were all gathered around one of the tables, mugs of Butterbeer in hand, the warmth of the drink spreading through them like a cozy fire.

"To surviving another year!" Ron cheered, raising his mug.

"To surviving!" Giselle echoed, clinking her mug against her friend's mugs.

They laughed and drank, the tension and stress of exams melting away with every sip. It felt good to forget, even if just for a little while, about the looming danger of the tournament. For one night, they could pretend everything was normal.