It was Friday, and the corridors of Hogwarts felt charged with anticipation as students chattered excitedly about their weekend plans. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the energy of a long-awaited break. As I left Potions class, my thoughts were already drifting to the weekend, the promise of freedom palpable in the cool, enchanted air.
Hannah, practically vibrating with enthusiasm, turned to me as we exited the classroom. "Cedric thought it would be a brilliant idea to have a common room campout," she announced, her eyes wide with excitement. "It's basically a sleepover with as many Hufflepuffs as we can gather. Everyone's invited, so it's going to be a huge party—IT'S GOING TO BE A WHOPPER!" She clapped her hands together, her voice echoing off the stone walls with a contagious energy.
I raised an eyebrow skeptically, my mind whirling with the potential chaos of such an event. "Okay, who's coming?" I asked, already bracing myself for a long list of names.
"So far, Cedric, me, Zack, Justin, Ernie, Susan, Lily, Bruce, and a bunch of others Cedric mentioned, but I can't remember all their names. Of course, every Hufflepuff is coming since it's in the common room, and maybe you too?" She winked at me, her grin infectious.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at my lips. "I know you're not a party person, but please, for me?"
Hannah threw her arms around me in a quick, enthusiastic hug. "You're the best best friend anyone could ask for. I love you!" She jumped up and down, her excitement almost palpable.
"Yeah, I try," I said, my voice a mix of amusement and embarrassment as I gently pulled away from her embrace.
We made our way back to the dormitory, and as I changed into more comfortable clothes, my mind replayed Hannah's words. A sleepover. It had been years since I'd participated in anything like that. I wondered what to expect and whether I'd fit in with this lively, close-knit group of Hufflepuffs.
After changing, I wandered to the common room and spotted Cedric by the fireplace. The fire crackled, casting a warm, golden glow that contrasted sharply with the chill of the evening air outside. The flames danced in the hearth, their light flickering across Cedric's face, highlighting the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"A sleepover? What's that all about?" I asked, trying to mask my nervousness with a casual tone.
Cedric's laughter was like a burst of warmth in the cold room. "Come on, everyone knows Hufflepuff throws the best parties."
I chuckled, feeling a twinge of anxiety. "I've never been to a party before," I admitted, glancing around the room filled with bustling Hufflepuffs.
Cedric's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're joking."
"Nope," I said, shaking my head with a hint of embarrassment.
"Then I'll give you the best first party ever," Cedric promised, his grin reassuring.
Just then, Zack tossed an apple to me, his casual gesture making me feel more at ease. "You're coming tonight?" he asked, his tone nonchalant but his gaze expectant.
I caught the apple and nodded. "Yeah, I said I would."
Zack plopped down beside me, his casual demeanor contrasting with the flurry of activity around us. "Honestly, guys, what are we even going to do? The only things I can think of are truth or dare and all those cliché sleepover games."
"I don't know. We could watch a movie, like Muggles do," Zack suggested, his eyes brightening with the idea.
"Yeah, that seems cool. I'll talk to Hannah and see what I can do about it," Cedric said, his enthusiasm contagious.
