The Potter Generation

13

On Friday morning my brain was overwhelmed with five million different things. I had interviewed Ian last night and had to review the footage while meeting with Evie that night. I hadn't seen or talked to Will in three days and I was of course jumping to the worst conclusions. I had two exams, one quiz, and an oral presentation in the afternoon all while Olivia was stressing about Malfoy and her worries were projecting onto me. Not to mention, I hadn't told Maggie about anything that had been going on lately and I could feel her slowly drifting away.

I paced from class to class all day, keeping my head down and dodging people as I walked. My patience was running thin and I knew it so I didn't bother paying attention to anyone. I just kept my thoughts on documentaries and hot boys. The day went by like any other and I was waiting for the moment when I could run up to my room and start editing and planning and distracting myself.

I couldn't get out of my last class fast enough once it was over. The Ravenclaw tower was all the way across the school but I was determined. The key to getting around the castle fast and efficient was to stick to the wall and avoid all eye contact so that was what I did. It wasn't until I was halfway there that I got sidetracked.

"Hey there." Will said into my ear, coming up behind me without warning. I jumped and made a loud noise but no one seemed to notice except for Will who laughed and apologized.

"You walk pretty fast I didn't think I would catch up." He said, taking his place beside me as I continued to walk. I had told myself that I would get my act together with Will and the way to do that was to be cool, casual, and serious. I wasn't about playing games. Or at least I pretended that was my attitude.

"It's been a long day." I replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Me too. I've had this thing on my mind all day."

"I'm guessing you want me to ask what that thing is." I rolled my eyes despite getting a jolt in my stomach.

"That would be appreciated." Will smiled, putting his hands into his pockets.

"What's been on your mind today Will?" I asked, cracking an almost smile.

"Now that you asked..." Will bumped my shoulder playfully. "It's almost October and that means that Hogsmeade weekends will be happening soon. And the thing is I need someone to go with." He turned his eyes to me.

"I bet you have plenty of friends."

"Sure, but there's a certain person I want to ask, but I don't know what he'll say."

"How well do you know this person?" I asked, pushing down all the butterflies in my stomach. If someone had to be the voice of reason it had to be me. I had seen too much heartbreak to go through it myself.

"I only met him a few days ago but I really really like him." Will answered, his voice innocent like a child's. "He's funny and sweet and extremely cute."

"Do you really know him though? A few days isn't very long." I couldn't stop doubt from creeping into my voice. This never happened to me so why now?

"That's the thing about dates. It's how you get to know people."

"But-" I started but Will grabbed my elbow and carefully pulled me to face him.

"Wes, will you go to Hogsmeade with me or what?" He asked, his grin fading. He looked almost worried which was unexpected.

"I don't know..."

"Why not?"

"I don't know, I just figured that this was some joke or something. Like a hot guy talks to me once then never even looks at me again. I wasn't sure you actually cared, you know?" I could feel my cheeks turning red.

"I don't know what I can say to make you believe me, but I do care about you Wes. And I know it's only been three days and we barely know each other but that doesn't mean we can't get to know each other. Just give me a shot."

All the instincts that had been forcing me to ask questions and deny suddenly disappeared and all I could think about was Hogsmeade and Will and having somebody. It was some foreign language I didn't understand but was learning one step at a time. I smiled and shook my head, unable to say a word.

"Awesome." Will grinned, taking my hand and leading me back into the crowded hallway. We walked all the way to the Ravenclaw tower and even then I didn't want to let go. Five million things going through my head and the only one I cared about was Will.

I was in the middle of the crowded hallway when I felt the tap on my shoulder. I whipped around not knowing what to expect. Certainly not Malfoy looking both excited and terrified. He opened his mouth to say something before noticing people's questioning looks and pulling me to the wall.

"I thought about what you said." He started, clasping and unclasping his hands nervously.

"And?" I asked, feeling the same jolt of wonder that I felt a few days earlier.

"I think you're right. I need to change the rules. But I don't really know how so I was wondering if..." He stopped, refusing to look me in the eyes. I almost laughed.

"If I would help you?" I offered.

"Yeah." He nodded, giving me a shaky smile.

"I would be happy to." I didn't know where the words had come from but I knew they were true. Despite his reputation and his past, Draco Malfoy had a hidden potential and I wanted to help him. He wanted me to help him so I would.

"We'll start on Saturday. What better way to make yourself a better person than attending a good old fashioned Quidditch match?"

He looked nervous but I knew that somehow this was going to work. I was going to make it work.