"It's so exciting isn't it? Just the concept of a ball – here at Hogwarts!" sighs Millicent beside me.
I mean, it was I guess. A ball was a ball at the end of it, I just didn't see the appeal, especially since I was currently partner-less.
"I guess, but I still can't wait for the final tasks, I've heard they're only getting more dangerous," I offer in attempt to make generally polite conversation. I have no real deep personal friendships here, but it seemed there was at least one person I could lean on in each of my classes so far. I looked down into our cauldron, stirring it gently as my glasses fog from the smoke. The bubbling, blue mixture which wafted into my face smelled already soothing to my racing mind. Draught of Peace was quickly becoming my favourite potion so far, despite its difficulty.
I looked across the table to watch Hermione Granger and a ginger-haired boy who was undoubtedly a Weasley leaning over their own cauldron intently. I smiled to myself as they looked up at each other, he pulling an odd face in an obvious attempt to make her laugh. I have no doubt they're ball partners and find myself longing for one myself. It would have been nice to have been asked at least. Ah well, there's still two days.
Given my reputation I guess it's not only me who's surprised I haven't found a date yet. As embarrassing and as conceited as it sounds, I haven't had a problem with attracting boys in the past.
The Hufflepuffs have been the easiest I've found, trusting and willing for anything that could possibly be love, even though I've had no interest in anything with them. They usually become clingy within the week, but breaking their hearts is always the worst. The Ravenclaws think they know me. They think they can see through the "emotional scars" which have made me this way and think their wit attracts me even though it doesn't. The Gryffindors are harder to crack, but more fun by far, sticklers for the rules but least concerned about being caught. Most of them keep their liaisons with me private, but some brag about even miniscule details to their mates which is the most embarrassing of all. The Slytherins have learnt by now to leave me alone in terms of these things. Besides, it's hard to be with your own, despite that that's generally how it should be.
I shake out of my trance as Millicent exclaims, pointing at our cauldron which has begun to boil over due to my lack of attentiveness. To make matters worse, as I try to stir the potion back under control I realise that my point of focus during my day dream was directed right at the enemy: Draco Lucius Malfoy. He seems not to notice me, running his hand through his hair to keep it away from his face as he leans forward on the bench on the other side of the classroom. I have no real burning hatred to him, just that I constantly find myself at the mercy of Crabbe and Goyle, his minions, and I can only image that he is perpetuating their behaviours.
Class ends and we are dismissed shortly after on account of some Gryffindor boy who singes his left eyebrow on the smoke from his potion. As I clutch my books to my chest and scurry to my next class, I watch as Draco and his friends shove Harry Potter on his way out. He adjusts his glasses and squares his shoulders as he turns to face the culprits.
"Ah, poor, poor Potter. Seems your apparent fame still couldn't score you a date to the ball, could it scar boy?" Draco taunts, gesturing towards Harry's forehead.
"Shove off, Malfoy." I hear him reply as I try to slip out unnoticed. My attempt goes unsuccessful as Draco calls to me.
"Hey, Goody Goody! Fancy taking old Potter here to the ball? I'm sure you'd be desperate by now as well," he sneers. I turn on my heal to face him.
"Why don't you take a hint from a wizard which actually got chosen by the Goblet itself, to shove off already." At that he rolls his eyes and stalks past me, Crabbe making sure to literally shove past as the move down the corridor.
"Hey, thanks Naomi. You really didn't have to."
"True you still don't have a date?" I ask him with a sad, knowing smile.
"Sounds like you may not either," he mimics me, adding a slight head tilt for affect. I laugh lightly at him.
"Sounds to me like we just sorted that out."
"Seems it does. I'll see you in class," Harry says as he walks away.
I guess this ball might not be so much of a drag after all.
YOU ARE READING
Want To Be (d.m.)
Fanfiction"I couldn't tell you what it is, and I couldn't even begin to try and explain it, but there's something that's changed in me since you, that makes me want to be different. That makes me feel different and makes me feel like I want things I never hav...
