Black [1]

Chapter 68

On my way back from a lesson with Snape (that I did actually have after Quidditch practice), I can hear the clamour of students, and I know they're all back from Hogsmeade. Lots of people are holding hands, some snogging in hallways, and Peeves is just cackling while throwing water balloons at making-out couples and flying off before they catch him. Others are hurrying to get back to their dorms before curfew, but almost all those panicked people are Ravenclaws.

My hair's mostly dry from my shower now, and I stuff my hands in my hoodie pockets to warm them up a little, feeling cold. I start glancing around for Aiden, although then I realise he'll probably just head right up to the common room and that I should just meet him there. Instead I catch sight of Ginny, jogging over and looping my arm through hers. "Hey," I smile. "How was your date with Michael?"

After the Quidditch practice which Angelina decided we did good enough in to end early, Ginny headed out to Hogsmeade to meet up with her boyfriend for a surprise. She turns to me now, her face lighting up. "It was great, actually," she grins back. "He wasn't expecting it, but he was willing to leave his friends and go out for a drink with me."

"That's so sweet!" I hear cooing behind us, and we turn around to see the twins mimicking us, beaming like Santa Claus delivered presents twice this year. "Likkle Ginny and Michaew went for a dwink! How cute!"

"Oh, shut up," I roll my eyes, stifling a laugh. "How'd the love potions go?"

"Sold out within the first hour, thanks to you," they beam at me, Fred rubbing the back of his neck and George running a hand through his hair. Ginny turns to raise an eyebrow at me, not having known I was helping, and I give an innocent shrug.

We pass a group of boys, and they immediately start catcalling when they see Ginny in her beautiful dress. "Looking hot, Weasley!" one of them yells. Ginny's about to stick up a very rude finger to them when I lower her hand, muttering how it's not worth it and to just take it as a compliment.

Then Fred and George start doing ridiculous poses, blowing kisses to the unsuspecting boys. "I know," they say in unison, and the boys either scoff or stare, wondering what on Earth is going on inside their minds. I bite the inside of my cheek, but a giggle escapes anyway, and Fred smiles fondly at me. Questioning how the browsing went, George clears his throat and nods, cutting a glance at his twin from the corner of his eye. "Yeah, it was... inspirational."

We reach the common room soon enough, talking about Ginny's date, about the boys' trip to Hogsmeade, my 'Potions lesson' with Snape (where I mentioned some potions that I'd read about from a textbook to make it seem like I did more than I actually did – speaking of which, I should start reading the one Snape gave me soon) and as soon as I get inside Aiden grabs my arm, pulling me over to the sofa. "You'd never believe what happened," he grins, slumping down beside me.

"Luna kissed you?" I tease, and he pulls a mocking face before rolling his eyes.

"No. I'm starting to regret telling you." Just as I open my mouth to comment smugly about how I found out myself, he pushes my shoulder jokingly. "Yeah, yeah, whatever," he rolls his eyes, knowing me well enough to have an idea of what was going to escape my mouth. "But no. However, Taylor caused a scene with her 'date'. He said something that got her mad, and she stormed right out. Left him to pay for their drinks, too."

I shake my head, a smile flickering on my lips. "Why can I see that happening?"

*

When it's finally curfew, pretty much everyone heads upstairs to get to bed, it having been a long day. Well, except those names I spot on the Marauders' Map that are cosying up in broom cupboards, and Filch's name travels rapidly towards those. I changed into my pyjamas and pulled my new Weasley sweater on for good measure, sitting by the fireplace.