Hogwarts at Last

seven

I opened my eyes and looked at the time. Today was a Saturday; I slept in until 1 in the afternoon. The air was cold. Winter was nearing, and with winter, was Christmas. I knew I'd be spending Christmas break with the Weasley's and I can't wait. I touched my bare feet to the floor and the skin on my arms raised into tiny goosebumps. 

"Finally, you're awake." Hermione was sitting on her bed with a book and smiling.

"Morning. Or, I should probably say afternoon." I began to laugh.

"Good afternoon. Got any plans for today?"

"No, I don't. Do you?"

"Did you want to come to the Three Broomsticks with Harry, Ron, and I? We are leaving in a half hour." 

"I'd love to!" I replied instantly. 

I took a really quick shower which helped to wash away my fatigue, I put on a really cute outfit since we didn't have to dress in uniform today. I also put on some mascara, eyeliner, and blush. I felt really confident and pretty. 

"I like your makeup," Hermione was staring, "and your outfit." 

"Thank you." I then realized that Hermione probably never got to experiment with makeup before, or really try new outfit aesthetics. "Hermione, did you want me to do your makeup? You can borrow some of my clothes too if you'd like." 

"Uhm. Sure." She nodded.

This was exciting! I put some eyeliner, mascara, and blush on Hermione. I wanted to do something light considering she always went without any makeup at all and still was beautiful. 

I held a little mirror up to her face and her eyes lit up. 

"Wow. I've never had eyeliner on before. Thanks Nova. I love it!" 

"You should wear eyeliner more often. You look gorgeous! Here, you're welcome to pick out any outfit from my closet you'd like!" 

Hermione walked over to my closet and pulled out a pair of skinny jeans, a white crop top, and a cardigan. 

"I'm just gonna go change." 

Hermione came back from the bathroom and she was wearing the outfit. 

"Try this belt with it." I handed her a black belt.

She grabbed it from my hands and put it around her waist. She then walked over to the stand up mirror and I've never seen Hermione smile at herself like this before. It made me really happy to see.

"Bloody hell. Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Ron said as he and Harry walked into the room. 

"Nothing Ronald." Hermione's face turned red and she shoved past Ron.

"Guys. Be nice," I whispered, "Hermione is really stepping out of her comfort zone. Don't make her regret it." 

"Alright." Harry replied.

"Thank you." 

The four of us eventually got to the Three Broomsticks. My hands were almost hurting from the cold outside. I wish I knew how to use my wand to create a pair of mittens. 

We were sat at a table and the server came over to us. 

"Hello darling's what can I grab for you?" It was an older lady who appeared to be very tired.

"A butter beer please." Hermione smiled.

"Me too, please." Harry said.

"I'll take the same." Ron added.

I've always wanted to try butter beer. I completely forgot that I now had the chance to!

"I would like one too, please!"

"Sounds good. I'll be back in a few." The server slowly walked away from our table. 

As my eyes followed her over to the bar, I spotted Draco sitting at a booth with Crabbe and Goyle. He winked at me and I mouthed 'hi' to him then turned away. 

"What are you staring at Ronald?" Hermione snapped.

"Your eyes. What's the black stuff?" 

"It's eyeliner." I gave Ron a look. 

"I-it looks good!" He looked back at Hermione. 

I couldn't help but look back over at Draco. But to my dismay Astoria was standing at the edge of his table talking to him. This made my heart pounce furiously in my chest. Astoria was the girl he ended up with in the books and movies. I mean, he doesn't know that, so I can't be upset with him for talking to her. But I really wanted to go over and put a stop to it. 

"Are you okay?" I felt a hand on top of mine that made me jump. It was Harry. 

"Good. Great." I nodded.

"Alright, four butter beers, here we are." The server lifted each one slowly off of her tray. 

"Thank you." We all said in sync.

"Have you guys seen the papers? They still can't find Sirius Black anywhere." Ron frowned.

"I bet he's after me." Harry took a sip of his butter beer.

"Why would you think that, Harry? Why would he be after you? What damage have you done to him?" 

"I didn't think to tell you guys. But you know how in the cup in Divination class, there was a sort of wolf? Well, on my way to Hogwarts, after leaving my aunt and uncles, I saw one just like it." 

"Harry! You should've thought to tell us that a lot sooner." Hermione breathed heavily.

"But I'm sure it doesn't mean anything." 

"I think that's a bit too much for a 'coincidence.'" I added on.

"Exactly." Hermione said.

I took a sip of my butter beer. My first sip, and it had a very pleasant taste. It had a hint of cream soda in it. I then peered back over to Draco and Astoria was now sitting at the booth. I wanted to push her away from him. The way she looked at him, her body language; she definitely showed signs of desire towards him. 

"Are you staring at Malfoy?" Harry looked almost disgusted.

"Me?" I looked over to Harry.

"Yeah, you." He chuckled.

"Um, yeah actually. He had something in his hair and I was trying to figure out what it was." I replied. What a lame excuse. 

Harry, Ron, and Hermione's eyes trailed over to Draco.

"I don't see anything." Ron said.

"Never mind that. Pretty sure Astoria got it off." I rolled my eyes.

"I wonder if they're dating." Hermione looked at me.

"Nah. Who'd want to be with Malfoy? Mental that one." Ron sneered.

If only Ron knew what I was doing with my time after hours. Almost every night since my first visit to Draco's dorm room I'd sneak off to cuddle with him and talk. It was always one of the biggest highlights of my day. 

"You look nice today, Hermione." Ginny gleamed. I have no idea when she arrived.

"Thank you, Ginny." Hermione's face turned red again. 

"Ronald, a word in private please?" Ginny nodded for Ron to follow her.

"Alright." Ron stood up and followed Ginny to the corner of the Three Broomsticks.

I wonder what that was all about. Probably nothing serious. 

***

I took another glance at Draco before we left. Astoria was still sitting at the booth with him, Crabbe, and Goyle. I'm positive he didn't even notice me leave.