CHAPTER 2 SOPHIE'S CHOICE

It was a few days later and I was making my way to the library. It was getting quite late but I still had an hour or so until it closed for the evening. I like the library, it is one of my favourite places in Hogwarts, it always seems so peaceful and relaxing to me. Despite the fact its main purpose was of study but I loved it none the less. It was my haven.

Upon entering I scanned around for a suitable location to rest my books which were currently piled under my arm. The place was almost desolate, not every student's choice of a haven I guess. I was just about to sit at a table towards the left of the room when I noticed none other than Ernie MacMillan. He had his head buried in a book, the strained lines that were etched across his forehead told me what he was reading wasn't making much sense. I felt a pang of guilt when I remembered my promise to Sophie that I would help him with his studying. I of course never followed through thinking it was a sham plan of hers to hook me up with some guy. I never once considered the fact that Ernie genuinely needed help. I inwardly sighed and walked over to him.

"You look stressed" I said quietly.

Ernie glanced up at me and smiled; relief clearly evident, seemingly glad for the interruption I'd given him from whatever it was he was reading. It was obvious why Sophie would want me to spend time with Ernie. Not only was he a nice guy but he was rather cute. He had big blue eyes, full lips and dirty blonde hair that curled around his face.

"Hey Claudia, how are you? I thought I was the only idiot here" he joked, as he mock surveyed his surroundings.

"I'm okay" I mumbled. "What are you doing here so late?" pretending not to know.

"I'm trying to get my grades up. I'm not doing so well in a couple of classes. I'm ready to give up though because nothing's really sinking in here" he chuckled while tapping the side of his head with an index finger.

"You know sometimes going over it with another person makes it a little easier, would you like me to help you out?"

Ernie's blue eyes widened, appearing a little surprised by my forward offer.

"I mean, I'm not really busy, em… I mean, being in the library so late, I'm kind of bored…looking for something to do …. I mean" mumbling ungraciously while feeling a little flustered.

Really articulate there Claudia...good one!

"No Claudia that would be great" he cut in "I could really use your help, thanks" he smiled.

I felt my cheeks heat with his eyes on me, knowing they were changing to self conscious pink.

"Here have a seat" he pulled out the one next to him and I sat down.

After about 45 minutes of discussing spells and an assortment of potions we had moved on to talk of things that had no relation to study.

"I hate Snape; he's such a misery isn't he? By far the most awful teacher at Hogwarts" laughed Ernie.

"I know, I remember the first time I saw him he terrified me" I gulped.

That was not a particularly fond memory. Snape seemed to enjoy picking out the shy girl in his class and making them the unwanted centre of his condescending attention.

"Well I don't blame you, just look at him. I doubt he's ever had a girlfriend, probably still a virgin too!" joked Ernie.

"Stop it" I giggled. "He's probably cast some spell where he can hear who's talking about him"

"Well in that case. Snape, you're vile and I hate your class, oh and your hair looks daft!" declared Ernie...

"Shhhhhhhhhh" I giggled again and hit him playfully as he burst out laughing.

We both eventually stopped our hysterics and Ernie smiled at me. I couldn't believe me right now, flirting with a boy. I didn't feel so shy around Ernie.

"You know Claudia; I never really spoke that much with you before today which is silly really considering we are in the same house. You are really easy to get along with. You should become a teacher when you leave Hogwarts, your far better at making me understand potions than the dreaded Snape".

"I don't know about that" I replied coyly.

"No really. You must promise to help me again, I insist"

"Of course I'll help you Ernie, it's no problem"

"What I meant was it's that, I liked spending time with you, we should do it again. Not always to study, I at least owe you some butterbeers for your help so far, maybe we could meet up at Hogsmeade at the weekend?"

"Oh!" I said, a bit taken aback.

Ernie's face dropped into a frown and I instantly regretted my answer.

"I mean, I'd really like that Ernie" I smiled.

"Really, cool Claudia, well it's getting late" he nudged "let's get out of here".

"Sure, sounds like a good idea to me, I need to get a couple of books before I leave though".

"Okay, see you back at the common room then" He smiled.

"Okay" smiling.

He jumped up with is books and started to walk away before turning.

"Thanks Claudia, you know I was having a really shit day before you came along".

Then I watched him walk away and out of sight. I sat there in disbelief. I guess Sophie was right, I felt really excited. I was bursting inside. I really liked Ernie, maybe things could work out for us. Perhaps this could be a new start for me.

I was just getting up to leave. I was beaming and I couldn't stop smiling when I suddenly heard his words….instantly my smile was gone.