An American Fangirl at Hogwarts 《2》of the ☆Ink and Pixels series☆

Chapter Eighteen: "Wouldn't dream of it."

"I'm gonna do it," Madison thought to herself, "I'm gonna kill her."

The library was currently packed with some of Umbitch's victims. She had been dishing out enough homework to keep an army busy for years. It didn't help she had this homework on top of the ridiculous amounts from her other classes, including Snape's essay. But it was only a foot of parchment, which isn't too different than the length of regular paper. Personally, Madison wasn't sure why Harry and Ron complained about it so much.

When Madison took a moment to look up from her tower of books, she saw Harry walk in. His skin was ghostly pale and his sweat gleamed in the candlelight. He sat down beside Hermione and Ron a little further down the table. She noticed how he fiddled with his hands nervously and his eyes sweeped the room constantly. His occlumency lesson must have gone poorly.

"Hey Harry," Madison whispered to get his attention.

The boy's head snapped over and his eyes were wide as though he feared she would hurt him.

"Here. You'll feel better." Madison reached into her pocket and pulled out her emergency candy stash. She passed him several chocolate pieces and mints.

"Thanks," he said with a smirk.

"What's the smirk for?"

"Nothing. It's just Lupin does the same thing."

"Well he's a smart man," Madison said as she gathered her books up, "when in doubt, eat candy."

Madison took her books back to the Hufflepuff common room to see that many of her fellow housemates had done the same. The common room was fairly packed and the fact that she needed to demonstrate and hopefully sell some of the twins products didn't make it easier.

"Alright guys," Madison said, standing up on the table, "I've got some Headless Hats! Newest product from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes! Just two Galleons a pop!"

After school had started back after the holiday, Madison had gotten very little free time and even less sleep. If she wasn't doing homework, then she was selling joke products or attending a DA meeting. She barely saw the twins anymore. And Umbridge was dishing out decrees every chance she got. Tensions were high and everyone was going mad. So when Fred asked her out on a proper date, she thought he was joking.

"A date?"

"A date."

"Do we have time for one of those?" Madison asked as she took a sip from her goblet. They were sitting alone in the Great Hall for breakfast. It was the first of February and the first time Madison had actually eaten breakfast since the holiday ended. She had been skipping and using the extra time for homework, but Fred asked if she would eat with him so they could talk. In all honesty, Madison thought he was gonna break up with her.

"We can make time," Fred replied.

It was appealing. They hadn't gone out before. Not on a real date.

"What day do you have in mind?"

Fred pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket and passed it over.

"Valentine's Day?" Madison asked as she read over the notice. There was a Hogsmeade visit planned that day.

"Yep," he said with a hopeful smile. "So what do you say?"

Valentine's Day has never been a particularly special event in Madison's life. It was just another day to her. She knew the real holiday was the day after when all the candy went on sale. But then she looked up at him and saw his smile. That smile. She couldn't say no to that smile.