Under The Starry Sky

The Magical Spot

"So, who is it?"
"..."
"Come on!"
"..."
Thump—a book struck the back of my head, pulling me away from my reading on the various ways to enchant a chandelier.

"Ouch! 'Mione!"

Thump—I hit her shoulder back with my book.

"Ahh!" she exclaimed. "Harry Potter!"

"Hermione Granger!" I exclaimed back.

Many heads in the common room turned to stare at us, then, with amused chuckles, turned back to what they were doing.

She sent a glare my way, and I rolled my eyes.

"Come on, tell me..." Hermione insisted.

"Well..." I said conspiratorially, and she narrowed her eyes. "You'll have to tell Ron that you're going with K-R-U—umph!"

I couldn't finish as she quickly clamped her hand over my mouth. "Don't you dare!"

I chuckled and patted her head, which made her shove me. "Okay, here's a hint: she's a champion." I knew that this small clue would be enough for her to instantly guess Fleur.

"No..." she trailed off, a mix of surprise and horror in her voice. "Not the French tart..."

"'Mione!" I exclaimed, appalled by what she said. "Don't call her that!"

"What? Have you seen her?" she huffed. "Always strutting around the hallways with everyone staring at her."

"Well, well, well, I could say the same about your date~" I teased. "Always getting unwanted attention from the fairer sex."

"Oh, come on! You know he tries to stay away from the limelight!" she exclaimed, then fell quiet, blushing as she realized how defensive she'd become. "And he does try to avoid girls..."

"Yes, yes, excuses," I said with mock arrogance. "I call it a skill issue. Look at me—who's following me?"

"Is that a rhetorical question, or do you actually want me to name names? Because I can easily name a dozen harlots who are."

"Jesus! When did you get such a potty mouth?" I asked, eyes wide in shock at her words.

"Whatever, just be careful with the Frenchie," she said, rolling her eyes, which elicited a few chuckles from me.

"Well, I won't ask you to be careful with the Seeker," I teased, "especially since I've already threatened him!"

With that, I bolted out of the common room, earning weird looks from people who were clearly confused about why I was fleeing from a horrified and appalled Hermione.

As I walked through the long, winding hallways of Hogwarts, chilled by the winter snow falling outside, my mind wandered to the various tasks I had to deal with in the immediate future. I wanted to leave Hogwarts for a while. Before, it would have been difficult... but after yesterday's conversation with Dumbledore, I knew I had enough leverage. Leaving Hogwarts after the Yule Ball for the rest of the holidays would definitely help me with several of my plans.

"Watch where you're going, Potter," a sneering voice scoffed. I rolled my eyes, barely restraining my amusement.

"Sure, Malfoy," I said dismissively, walking past him and his goons, ignoring them. I had no interest in entertaining those idiots.

I sensed a Leg-Locker Curse coming at me from behind. Internally sighing, I raised my hand, stopping the spell in its tracks without even turning around. I pointed my finger to the side, and the spell struck the wall harmlessly. I continued walking, and they didn't bother to send another one.