"Today class, we're going to be practicing the water spell, aguamenti, in groups." Professor Erland announced. "You'll be in groups of five."
He started to list the groups. "Cinder, Cress, Kai, Peony and Winter."
Cress turned to Cinder excitedly. "Yes, I didn't want to be in a group with people I didn't know."
The three other Hufflepuffs walked over to where Cinder and Cress were sitting. "Hi Cinder!" Kai said, smiling widely.
"Hi Kai." Cinder replied, heat creeping up her cheeks.
Cress elbowed her. "You can NOT mess with me about Carswell now."
Peony sighed. "Wouldn't even say hi to your own sister. Shame."
Cinder ignored her and turned to Winter, who was standing out from the group. "Hey, you're Winter right? We have DADA together!"
Winter nodded. "Yes."
"So, do you want to start from the book, or...?" Kai asked, motioning to the heavy charms books layed out in front of them.
"Yeah sure."
They spent the rest of class trying, (and failing), to cast the spell. When Professor Erland dismissed the class, they were all tired from the effort. Cinder started to make her way to the Ravenclaw common room. Cress followed her, lugging her book bag behind her.
"The Hallowe'en feast is tomorrow, are you excited?" Cinder asked Cress.
"Yeah, I guess."
"You know what, you should talk to that Carswell kid tomorrow." Cinder wiggled her eyebrows.
"No. Nope. No way." Cress shook her head.
"Ah, that's too bad." A voice said from behind them.
Cinder turned around, and saw Carswell standing behind them. He faked pouted, hefting his book bag onto his shoulder. Cress turned beet red, all the way to the tips of her ears. Her freckles practically disappeared underneath the blush.
"I-uh." She stuttered, then dramatically turned on her heels and walked away as fast as her short legs could go.
Cinder watched her go. "Well, that sucks." She said under her breath.
"Yeah, it does." Carswell laughed.
"Oh shut it." Cinder stalked off after Cress.