It started… with a bang.
No… it started with fireworks.
Golden rain, cascading down upon us like the petals of bright sunflowers or the sweet-smelling daffodils. Red, green and blue flowers, blooming much too quickly far above me where I lay on the damp grass (having excused myself, exhausted, from a disgruntled Neville – and ever more dancing – under the pretence of going to get drinks), gazing upwards as the sky erupted in glorious, beautiful flame. Fred and George had set them off, of course – not that any of the teachers minded (this time). Quite the opposite – as I sat down and got myself comfortable, I distinctly heard McGonagall say to an amazed Madam Maxime, "the twins? Oh, yes – wonderful, aren't they? Our star pupils! In fact, I was saying just the other day…"
Old bag.
I was still smirking to myself, five minutes later, when he arrived.
"Mind if I join you?"
I looked up eagerly – I knew that voice. Or not, the rather more bitter side of my mind sneered as I realised I had hoped for far too much (yet again) – it wasn't Harry, of course. He was inside, happily dancing with Padma-bloody-Patil…
"Fine," I sighed, not bothering to try and sound interested. He wasn't deterred, though.
"I'm Michael. Michael Corner," he informed me cheerily. "You're…"
"Ginny," I huffed reluctantly. I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye.
Ten minutes of silence later – during which I hadn't missed his sidelong glances at me and had enjoyed looking sideways, too, to make him think I was looking at him, but wasn't (hey, I never said I wasn't cruel) and watching the dull flush creep across his pale skin – I heard Neville calling. With a sigh, I abandoned my rather excellent viewpoint of the fireworks and stood awkwardly. I was going to stride away without a second glance – dramatic effect, you know – but at that moment I caught sight of his disappointed face out of the corner of my eye and felt obligated to turn around. He brightened when I did.
"See you around," I muttered awkwardly. Then, before he could reply, I gathered my skirts and hurried off to meet Neville.
A/N: Dun dun duuuuunnnn… so it begins! I'm planning on making this a really long story – and hopefully a good one, too :)
NEWSFLASH! Competition timmmeeeeee!! Yes, tis competition time! I've been thinking about writing this from Michael's point of view, too, so the best version of this chapter from his POV will get to name/invent a character in this story! :)
Loves,
Arya xxx