Evanora

Fluffy Day in Sixth Year

This morning in potions class I did very well and had time to talk to Slughorn about Sirius and Regulus, and as usual in my free period was running around outside to get some exercise.

MEANWHILE IN DUMBLEDORE'S OFFICE

"What about your activities outside the classroom?" Dumbledore asked Harry from his throne-like chair at his desk.

"Sir?" Harry asked confusedly.

"Well I notice you spend a great deal of time with Evanora. I can't help wondering if. . ."

"Oh. . . Uh well, yeah," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"She is, indeed very pretty," Dumbledore said. "However, exceptionally perceptive, much more so than she does show to her fellow classmates. Forgive me, I was merely being curious. Anyhow, enough chit-chat,"

######Running#############

Last time I nearly broke my record. I knew I could do it. I ran faster and faster towards the spot where Hermione sat on the bench studying where I had started. My legs were burning and my muscles were screaming STOP! But I was just so close --

I ran through the finish line. The crowd cheered in my mind and Hermione checked her watch.

"Three minutes and two seconds," she said. I dramatically pumped my fist into the air.

"AND THE CROWD GOES WILD," I say. Hermione laughs as I spin around and dramatically before flopping onto the grass with my arms outstretched. My legs fall after I do. As I pant for air at the gray, cloudy sky, Harry and Ron's laughter comes into view as they trod through the grass somewhere above me. Their faces come into view as they lean over me.

"You're still running about in this weather?" Ron said. I shrug.

"Got to get it in as much as I can before it gets really cold," I say sitting up. I grab the bench for support as I stretch my now-toned legs.

"So, you coming to Quidditch tryouts?" Harry asks. I pull my left ankle behind the tail of my spine and scrunch my face as I stretch my sore muscles.

"Yeah, I'll be there," I stepped directly in front of Hermione. She pulled out her wand and cast a spell.

"Augmente," she said confidently and a surge of lukewarm water blasted out of her wand and sprayed on my head. I ran my hands over my face and into my hair. I shook my hands in my scalp as the water soaked trough and then shook my head and shoulders.

"Whoo! Thanks," I said and slung my towel around my shoulders and began to walk off. "See you there I guess," I turned to Ron and Harry who were staring baffled at me.

I went back into the castle and quickly showered and combed my damp hair until it was dry. I changed into warmer clothes and met Hermione in the common room.

"Shall we?" I held out my arm and we linked ours.

"We shall," she said. We laughed and made our way to watch practice. Hermione used a confundus charm on Cormac McLaggen. I fully approved. Eventually, Ron got the spot on the team.

Later in the Common Room

"I have to admit, I thought I was going to miss that last one. I hope Cormac's not taking it too hard," Ron said on the couch behind us. I exchanged glances with Hermione. "He's got a bit of a thing for you, Hermione." I giggled but didn't look up to meet her eyes.

"He's vile," she said coldly.

"Oh, come on," I said to her. "I think you should give him a chance. He seems like a gentleman, and you never know. . ." I suggested but she turned back to her book, ignoring me. I resumed mouthing potions notes to myself, determined to get an Exceeds Expectations on my potions examinations this year now that Snape was finally gone. I had a knack for potions indeed, but couldn't beat Harry and his brilliant book. I occasionally tried to get a glimpse of it, but he never let me see. When I did, however, I copied down everything I could see. Harry leaned across me to Hermione.