Fall chills over to winter and I watch black blobs with house scarves race inside after snowballs fights, hogsmeade visits, and other outdoor ventures. Even I can find some reason to be cheerful this holiday season. Slytherin is almost ahead of Ravenclaw for house points and I count myself a close friend of a certain beautiful redheaded firecracker. I am sitting by a large blazing fireplace at one of the long house tables when she approaches me.
" That's a beautiful sweater," I admire, seeing how full her chest looks in a scarlet tight-fitting jumper.
"Thanks! I just finished making it last night."
"You made that?" I am impressed. What a useful talent.
She laughs. "Yeah. So no classes today, what are your plans?"
"I was thinking of asking a pretty girl if she'd like to play Wizard Chess with me." As you can probably tell, I've grown more at ease around her. She plays along as asks: "And who would that be?"
" Hmm probably a Gryffindor because they always love a chance to prove their superiority."
"I think you're mistaken. Slytherins act so uppity and as if they're better than everyone else. Its up to Gryffindors' to knock then off that pedestal." she counters after laughing.
During the game I am distracted. Today seems like the perfect day to ask her. I am comfortable around her and she seems to like talking to me. I can't decide what to do.
" Pay attention Luc! Its your turn."
I lose the game, terribly. I notice that I'm smiling when it ends though. I hate losing.
" What's on your mind?" Molly asks, looking perplexed.
After a pause, "Nothing Molly. Sorry. Play again?" I'll ask her later. I'm not ready yet.
A few days later we are in the library studying for an exam in charms. She has just arrived and is looking radiant.
"I'm glad you are, but why so happy?"
She beams and says, " Well, to be honest. My close friend just asked me to be his girlfriend. And I said yes."
My throat and breath are no longer within my power as I try to cover up my devastation. I sputter and cough and feel that rising sense of uncontrollable panic. "Who is it?" I manage to let escape my lips.
"Arthur Weasley."
Absent-minded Arthur? He isn't best in class or Captain of the quid ditch team. He's average. He doesn't even have the power of determination. I Hope this relationship ends quickly, it being our last year at Hogwarts. I decide against dueling him for he may end up in Saint Mungo's for several months and he seems to be making Molly happy for the time being.