In honor of Gryffindor's thrilling triumph over Slytherin in the Quidditch match, the team decided to host an extravagant celebration right in the heart of the Gryffindor common room. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the castle grounds were bathed in twilight, casting long shadows that seemed to hint at the magic stirring inside. The common room gradually filled with students, each face glowing with excitement. The air was alive with an infectious energy as anticipation for the night ahead grew.
The large stone fireplace crackled with warmth, its amber glow flickering against the scarlet and gold drapery that adorned the walls. Gryffindor banners fluttered softly in the heated air, their rich reds and dazzling golds reflecting the house's indomitable pride. The entire room seemed to pulse with life, the decorations catching the firelight in a way that made everything shimmer with an extra touch of magic. Laughter, cheers, and lively conversation bounced off the high stone walls, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and grand as if every student in the room was sharing in a collective moment of glory.
The Quidditch players were the undisputed stars. Still dressed in their red and gold robes, their hair tousled and faces flushed from the fierce competition, they were surrounded by a swarm of admirers. Their eyes sparkled with the afterglow of victory.
Your eyes darted around the room, carefully tracking the movements of the bustling crowd as you navigate through the sea of students. You didn't want to accidentally bump into anyone, especially with how animated the celebration had become. The laughter, cheers, and excited conversations made it hard to concentrate, but you skillfully weaved your way forward. Suddenly, your gaze locked onto a familiar face, a wide smile spread across your face.
"Angelina!" you called out, your voice rising above the din of the common room. Pushing through the last few feet of space between you, you wrapped your arms around your best friend in a tight embrace. She laughed as she returned the hug, her energy still buzzing from the adrenaline of the match.
"Congratulations! You were amazing out there!" you exclaimed, stepping back to admire her beaming face. Her dark eyes sparkled with joy, and her smile stretched from ear to ear, a testament to the thrill of victory. Her cheeks were still flushed, and her Quidditch robes, though slightly rumpled from the intense game, added a proud, heroic air to her appearance.
"Thanks!" Angelina beamed, her voice slightly breathless but filled with exhilaration. "It was a tough match, but we did it!" The pride in her voice was unmistakable. Squealing to herself, you were pulled into another hug.
Your hug with Angelina lingered as the excitement of the match still buzzed between you. As you pulled back, you noticed her eyes flicking across the room before she smirked, her expression suddenly playful. She leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice just enough to catch your attention.
"Speaking of amazing," she teased, glancing over your shoulder, "someone's been eyeing you all night."
You furrowed your brow in confusion, turning slightly to follow her gaze. Across the crowded common room, George Weasley was leaning casually against the far wall, his vibrant red hair unmistakable even in the dim, flickering firelight. His conversation with Fred seemed to have paused, and his eyes, warm and mischievous, were trained directly on you. As soon as your eyes met, he flashed a grin, that signature crooked smile that always seemed to promise trouble.
Angelina nudged you with her elbow, her smirk growing wider. "See what I mean? He's been glancing over here since the minute you walked in."
You could feel your cheeks warm under her knowing gaze, your heartbeat quickening as George, seemingly unfazed by being caught, winked at you before returning to his conversation with Fred. It was a subtle moment, easily lost in the chaotic celebration, but it felt significant.
