Toxic Crush

~9~

The curtains of Clara's four-poster bed were ripped open and Padma looked down on her with a suspicious grin.

"Why are you smiling Car?" She teased, sitting on her thighs so she couldn't escape.

"Shut up May." Clara groaned, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "What time is it?"

"Seven."

"Seven?!" She exclaimed. "It's holidays! Let me sleep!"

"Ugh, fine." Padma said, standing up. "Will you come to Hogsmeade with me today?"

"Why?"

"I need to pick up my dress."

"Oh shit! Me too!" Clara decided she no longer wanted to sleep, and she jumped out of bed to find some clothes. "Give me a minute."

She quickly dressed herself in jeans, some layered jumpers and a flannel and followed Padma out the door and towards the entrance hall.

They were caught on the way out by Harry, who called nervously after them.

"Hi guys... Could you... erm..."

Clara and Padma glanced sideways at each other and snickered.

His face when a little red, but he continued. "Could you please tell me if Cho has a date to the ball yet?"

Clara smiled at him like he was something adorable. She found him endearing. "Of course!" She said brightly. "I think Cedric's asking her, but he hadn't done it the last time I checked."

"Really?!" He asked hopefully. "Where is she?"

"I think she's in the owlery." Padma told him. "Cedric's there too though, so don't get your hopes up."

He nodded appreciatively at them and headed up the staircase.

"Poor Harry." Clara said, linking arms with Padma and walking out into the frosty snow. "He doesn't have a chance does he?"

"Nope."

They both suppressed a laugh.

"I do feel bad. He likes her quite a lot you know."

"Yeah well, so does Cedric." Clara acknowledged

"She feels so terrible," Padma shared, turning the corner towards the village. "About her conflicting emotions I mean."

"I know. She just isn't used to having men hitting on her left right and center." Clara said sarcastically, flicking her hair back teasingly.

As she did so, she noticed Malfoy walking about one-hundred meters behind them with Zabini, Crabbe and Goyle.

"She loves Cedric." Padma observed.

"She does."

"They really are the perfect couple."

"They really are."

"And the threesomes are to die for."

"I know right?!"

"Clara!" Padma yelled, pushing her playfully. "I knew you weren't listening."

"Sorry." Clara said sheepishly.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing."

Padma looked at the platinum blonde behind them and then at the blushing girl beside her. "I KNEW YOU LIKED-"

"Shut UP!" Clara clapped her hand over her friends mouth hastily. "I DON'T like Malfoy."

Padma sniggered. "I was going to say Blaise."