Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Fifty-Six

Allison's Point of View.

The moment we stepped back into the Gryffindor Common Room after the Yule Ball, the tension between Ron and Hermione snapped. "What was that supposed to mean?" Ron demanded the second the portrait swung shut behind us.

Hermione whipped around so fast her curls bounced over her shoulders. "What was what supposed to mean?" she shot back. "You know exactly what!" Ron said loudly. "You turning up with him!"

"With Viktor?" Hermione asked incredulously. "Honestly, Ron, you are unbelievable." Ron scoffed. "Well, excuse me for thinking you'd have a little loyalty!"

Hermione stared at him like he'd grown another head. "Loyalty? Viktor asked me to the ball because he actually wanted to spend time with me!" Ron's ears turned red instantly. "Oh, so now you're defending him?"

"Someone has to consider all you've done tonight is sulk!" Hermione snapped. "Hermione," Harry started carefully. "No!" Hermione interrupted sharply. "I am sick of him acting like I did something wrong!"

"You did!" Ron argued. "He's one of Harry's competitors!" Ron sticks to his same argument. "The whole point of the Tournament is international magical cooperation!" Hermione yelled. "Honestly, did neither of you listen?"

"I listened," I muttered quietly. Ron threw his hands up. "Great, now you're both against me!" Hermione looked seconds away from hexing him.

"You know what?" she hissed furiously. "Forget it." Then she turned on her heel and stormed toward the girls' staircase. "Hermione!" I called quickly before glaring at Ron. "Nice one."

Ron looked defensive immediately. "What?!" I rolled my eyes before hurrying after Hermione. By the time I reached our dormitory, Hermione was pacing furiously beside her bed with tears streaming down her face.

"He is so infuriating!" she burst out the second I shut the door behind me. "I mean, honestly, Allison, what did he expect? He never even asked me!"

"I know," I sighed sympathetically. "He spends weeks complaining about not having a date and then suddenly decides he has the right to be angry when I go with Viktor?" Hermione continued angrily.

I sat carefully beside her bed. "Ron's an idiot." Hermione laughed wetly through her tears. "That might actually be the truest thing you've ever said."

I smiled softly. Eventually, after nearly half an hour of ranting, crying, and me repeatedly reminding her that Ron had the emotional range of a teaspoon, Hermione finally calmed down enough to change out of her dress.

Once she'd changed into her pyjamas and climbed into bed, I tucked the blankets around her properly. "You okay?" I asked quietly. Hermione nodded sleepily. "Thanks, Allison."

"Always." Within minutes, she was asleep. Only then did I finally get changed myself.

I stood in front of the mirror, slowly removing the jewelled hair comb Carlisle and Esme had given me earlier that evening, placing it carefully back inside its velvet box.

Then I wiped away the makeup Alice had spent hours perfecting. My curls slowly loosened as I brushed my hair out before tying it up properly.

After changing into comfortable pyjamas, I finally crawled beneath the blankets myself. And for once, exhaustion pulled me under almost immediately.

Boxing Day was thankfully uneventful. Hermione and I woke late, took turns showering, and dressed in warm, comfortable clothes before heading downstairs.

The second we entered the Common Room, we spotted Harry and Ron sitting near the fire. There was a brief awkward silence. Then Ron cleared his throat. "Morning."