Change of Heart

Midnight Escapade and the Three-Headed Guardian

The letter injected an unfamiliar energy into my usually confident stride. As I envisioned the green and silver tie adorning my neck, the prospect of joining Draco, Rosalind, and Ludovic in Slytherin seemed enticing. The thought of escaping Granger's constant presence was undeniably appealing, perhaps the most enticing part of this entire proposition. Yet, as I carelessly tossed the letter into the blazing torch's flames, a sense of turmoil swirled within me. Gryffindor had become my home, and I had painstakingly built a reputation and legacy within its scarlet and gold walls. The idea of abandoning it left a hollow ache in my chest. Was it truly worth forsaking all that I had achieved to embrace the unknown world of Slytherin? The doubt gnawed at me, casting a shadow over my previous excitement.

I eased the door open, and to my dismay, Hermione Granger stood there, her face a portrait of irritation. Her frown was so intense that I'd have preferred a night spent on the Astronomy Tower. Her posture, hands on her hips, made her resemble an aggravated teacher ready to scold her unruly student—a role she was about to fully embrace. She wasted no time in launching into her customary pestering. "You know," she began, her tone carrying the weight of a disappointed lecturer, "I've already talked to the boys about this, but if you had even an ounce of concern for our House's reputation and the precious House points, you wouldn't be sneaking out in the middle of the night for some senseless duel!" Her words followed me as I made my way to my poster bed, a relentless reminder of her unyielding nature.

"Granger, it's nine-thirty in the evening. Do you have to pester me right now?" I inquired, tossing my robe onto the bed and rummaging through my belongings for my toiletries.

"Yes, yes, I do as you seem not to remember the school rules or the implications that come from you breaking them."

"Well, don't fret, Granger. I'll be untangling myself from your frizzy hair in no time." I smirked, twirling a strand of her hair around my pointed finger provocatively, and then sauntered toward the bathroom, leaving her without a chance to retort. After my refreshing trip to the shared bathroom, I decided to retire to my bed with an entertaining read, my confidence unwavering. Granger had wisely chosen to keep her mouth sealed, likely because the other girls were entering the room. I knew their curiosity would get the better of them, and they'd relish the news of my upcoming duel with Draco, perhaps even suggesting they join our midnight escapade.

"I can't believe you got a place on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. You've got some real talent, Warwick," Lavender said as she walked out of the bathroom, followed by a nodding Parvati and astounded Fay.

"I honestly believed McGonagall was going to place you on the next train to London and kick you out," Fay asked, puzzled as to how I am still sitting in the same room as her.

"Well, ladies, gather 'round, and I'll share a little secret," I whispered, a sly grin playing on my lips as they leaned in, anticipation in their eyes. "All it takes is to be as exceptionally gifted as yours truly, and you can waltz through life getting away with just about anything," I remarked, leaning back from the impromptu circle we'd formed at the foot of our poster beds before slipping under the covers. My declaration earned me a few eye rolls, and a chorus of giggles from Lavender, Parvati, and Fay. Yet, Granger couldn't resist a dramatic, dissatisfied scoff in response.

"Please, gifted," she tutted as she got into bed. Fay gave a small snort while switching off her lamp on her bedside table, which was soon followed by Lavender and Parvati, who wanted to avoid the fresh start of an argument.

"Granger, attempting to become one of the youngest Quidditch players in a century is a bit beyond your reach, isn't it? I mean, you can't even get a broom to rise after saying 'up' two hundred times," I taunted, rolling over to switch off my lamp, casting my side of the room into darkness. Granger, rather than responding to my snarky remark, mimicked my actions by extinguishing her own light.