adored by him | *under editing*

sixth year × 81

Tinsel decked the banisters and mistletoe drooped from the ceilings.

Ron, Harry and Nadia made their way through the crowded corridor. Ron walked with a new air of confidence; he wasn't exactly strutting but it was close enough.

"Look," He started. "I can't help if she's got her knickers in a twist. What Lav and I have is...well, let's just say there was no stopping it. It's chemical. Will it last? Who knows? Point is, I'm a free agent." Ron smirked.

Nadia gagged, crossing her arms over her chest. "Lav? He's mental." She whispered to Harry.

Harry chuckled under his breath, watching Ron stride through the halls.

•••

"He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes. I really couldn't care less. Was I under the impression that he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party together? Yes. Of course, now given the circumstances, I've had to make other arrangements." Hermione rambled, trudging through the library and placing her books back.

"Have you?" Harry questioned a little crest-fallen as he and Nadia trailed after her.

"Yes. Why?"

"I just thought, you know, since neither one of us can take who we'd really like, I thought we could go together. As friends." Harry explained with a small shrug.

Hermione halted and sighed. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"So, who are you taking?" Nadia pressed, placing her own books back on the shelf.

"Um...it's a surprise." She answered evasively. Nadia raised her brows remembering how she said the same thing when she attended the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum.

"Besides, it's you two we need to worry about. You can't pick just anyone." Hermione dismissed.

"Actually, I have a date." Nadia piped up, but at the look on her face, Hermione didn't seem convinced.

She eyed her warily before turning to Harry and lowering his voice. "You see that girl over there?" Harry nodded. "That's Romilda Vane. Rumour has it that she's trying to smuggle you a love potion."

Harry's eyes lit up, never leaving the girl who was smiling and blushing in the corner of the library.

Nadia noticed this and snapped her fingers in his face. "Hey! She's only interested in you because she thinks you're the Chosen One."

Harry smiled smugly. "But I am the Chosen One." Hermione whacked him over the head with a newspaper, immediately changing his opinion. "Okay. Kidding. I'll just ask someone I like. Someone cool."

•••

"Sweet Merlin!" Ashton whistled. "You look hot, Nadia."

"Oh, please." Nadia scoffed but she couldn't help it and admired herself in the mirror.

The deep burgundy dress hugged her waist perfectly, flowing out to her knees. Her wavy locks were pulled into a majestic braid, cascading over her bare shoulder. Her pale lips were coated in a cherry red lipstick and her eyes stood out against the dark red eyeshadow. It was simple but it was ravishing.

Nadia took a look at her watch and gasped. "I'm going to be late. See you later!"

"But what about--?" Sam was cut off by the slamming of the dormitory door.