Under The Starry Sky

A Tense Conversation

"Hey, what're you reading?" Hermione asked, peeking at the text in the tome I held.

"Interaction of alchemically purified gold with various runic matrices under different conditions, depending on the shape carved, location of extraction, moon's phase, and the magic required," I replied in a monotone, my eyes still scanning the lunar phases on the page. I'd been stuck on this section for about ten minutes, and with each reread, I only grew more impressed by the author's expertise.

"A what? Is that some subtopic of Alchemy? Why are you reading about Alchemy?" Hermione fired off rapidly, and I rolled my eyes.

"It's one of the few subjects that intersects Alchemy, Runes, Arithmancy, and Enchanting," I explained, briefly turning the book toward her to show the title. "This is an Arithmancy book," I added before returning to my reading.

"Ah... okay..." Hermione muttered, turning her attention to Ron, who was sulking over his plate of food. "Ron, what happened today?"

"Nothing," Ron mumbled broodingly, a small frown creasing his forehead.

Curious, I looked up. "Why the long face? Everything alright?"

"Well... it-it's..." he stammered, looking almost embarrassed. "The Yule Ball," he finally blurted out.

"Ah—you haven't found a date yet?" Hermione asked gently, her tone cautious, as if trying not to provoke him.

"Uh-huh..." he muttered while shoveling food into his mouth, moving his fork aimlessly. "The Yule Ball is only three bloody days away!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with frustration.

I rolled my eyes. Ron will always be Ron. "Have you asked anyone yet?"

That question immediately transformed his expression from annoyance to embarrassment, his face flushing scarlet to match his hair. "Well... you–you know... I..."

"Seriously, Ronald? You haven't even asked anyone and you're sulking?" Hermione said, incredulous.

"Oh come on, I thought—" Ron started, then his eyes lit up as if he'd just had an epiphany. "Hey, wait a second! Hermione, you're a girl, right?"

I burst into laughter while Hermione's face twisted in anger. "Yes, Ronald, thank you for noticing," she snapped sarcastically. "Yes, I am, in fact, a girl!"

Ron, now trembling under her glare, meekly asked, "So... will you?"

"For your information, no," Hermione huffed, then smiled smugly. "I've already agreed to go with someone else." She shot Ron a pointed look. "Unlike you, others actually realize I'm a girl."

"Oh come on, you're joking," Ron groaned, glancing at me as if for confirmation. I didn't indulge him. "Who even asked you?"

Hermione's cheeks flushed red, clearly nearing her breaking point. "Well, that's none of your business, is it? You'll find out at the Ball."

I tried to intervene, hoping to lighten the mood. "I know who she's going with."

"What, someone actually asked her?" Ron blurted incredulously.

Hermione heard him and snapped, "Yes, Ronald, someone did ask me."

"Wait, how do you know?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh, you know," I said with a playful grin, "I have my ways."

She picked up her Charms textbook and swatted my shoulder, making me cringe.

"Violent women," I muttered, then turned back to Ron. "Anyway, Ron, you need to ask someone before the Ball. There are still plenty of girls left. Just do it... Even Neville's already asked someone."