Hogwarts at Last

eight

It's strange, as it merely feels like it's been a few weeks at Hogwarts. However months have passed by, and it's already nearing Christmas holidays.

 I finished all of my classes for the day and was in the library studying with Hermione. There is a test coming up next week in Care of Magical Creatures. 

I looked up from my paper and saw Draco, I set down my quill. It's almost like he has been following me around for the last few weeks; he's everywhere I look. But I obviously don't mind it. 

He nodded his head at me and delicately smiled. 

"What are you looking at?" Hermione glanced up from her textbook at me.

"Nothing. I'm just trying to remember how Basilisks are bread."

"By hatching a chicken egg under a toad. For citation, chapter 4 of the textbook talks all about how magical creatures are bread."

I sighed, "can we please swap brains for a day," Hermione chuckled, "I mean this with all seriousness, Hermione! I really need to pass my classes."

"Come on Nova. You're very smart, you just need to put more time into studying. View it as a hobby, rather than a troubling task."

"It's complicated when there are much better things I can think of to do with my time." My mind flashed through images of Draco. The feeling of his lips on mine, my hands stroking through his soft hair, and his silent humming he seemed to produce when a room was too silent.

"Like what?" 

"Going to the Three Broomsticks with you, Ron, and Harry. Watching quidditch matches and practices. I mean, the list goes on and on. Hogwarts is one of the best locations in the world."

"I suppose it is. However, a hobby doesn't mean that you won't have time for anything else. Studying doesn't take away the privileges of spending time with friends, or doing other things you'd like to do." 

"Who decided not to put you in Ravenclaw?" I giggled, even though I genuinely think Gryfinndor has been the best house for Hermione.

"A very intelligent sorting hat. I'm very content with Gryfinndor. Are you?"

"Definitely." 

"Come on then. Let's get back to studying."

***

We were in the Great Hall for dinner. The ceiling was bewitched, mirroring the evening sky outside. There were already stars out, and snow was pattering down; it was refrained from entering the castle by what appeared to be thin glass. Christmas trees were illuminating the room. 

I felt so warm and fuzzy inside, sitting with the golden trio, Luna, and Neville. Peering over to Draco every once in awhile also contributed to this feeling. 

Long arms wrapped around my back, and I jumped two feet off of the bench. I turned around to see Fred hovering over me. 

"Hey!" He smirked.

George was fiddling with Ron's hair, and Ron swatted his hand away.

Fred and George took a seat at the table and dumped mashed potatoes, vegetables and slabs of schnitzels onto their plates. It's interesting how they not only looked so similar (obviously due to being twins) but they also ate so similar. 

"Do you guys all have dates to the ball yet?" George said. 

"Ball?" I asked.

"Yeah. The Christmas Ball."

I forgot that I scripted a Christmas Ball. One that would be similar to the Yule Ball. 

"Right," I gently tapped my head, "the ball. When is it again?" 

"It's next week. Friday night." Fred replied.

"I don't have a date yet." Harry said, looking over at me.

"Me neither." I looked down to my plate.

"Do you two have dates?" Ron looked to Fred and George.

Fred began crunching up a piece of paper and threw it at a fifth year girl sitting farther across from him. She looked over to him in annoyance.

"Want to go to the ball? With me?" Fred did a little dance in his seat.

"The Ball? Yeah!" The fifth year broke into a smile.

"That's how it's done boys." Fred smirked.

George patted his twin on the back.

"I'm going with Marcella Botkins." George ran his hand through his hair.

"Good for you. Aren't you charming." Ron rolled his eyes.

"I'm not sure who to ask to the ball." Harry frowned.

"I don't know either."

"Ron, you should go with Hermione, and Harry, go with Ginny." I said.

"What?" Harry appeared very confused.

Ginny looked over, hearing her name in our conversation. Her cheeks turned pink.

"I mean, Hermione, we're friends. You don't have a date yet." Ron peered over to her.

"Bold of you to assume that Ronald." Hermione looked offended.

"Well, I didn't mean to offend you.. it's okay that you don't have a date yet. You don't need to be embarrassed about it."

"As a matter of fact, I do indeed have a date to the ball."

"You-who?" Ron was shocked.

"It's none of your concern really." Hermione stood up and exited the Great Hall.

"Wow. I'll admit, I've never seen Hermione so embarrassed about something. I mean, lying about having a date to the ball. Come on!" Ron chuckled.

"I don't think she's lying. She wouldn't lie about something like that." I responded.

However, I'm very much confused about who she'd be going with. Viktor Krum? It couldn't be. They haven't even met yet.