One evening in early October, I was in the library on my own. Tasha was hanging out with the girls and Nick was off with the boys in our house. They still didn't study as intensely as I did. I was glad when they left me to it instead of complaining. Even though Flitwick had told me that I was still in line for the badge, I felt I needed to make up for that detention anyway.
I was so into my work, I didn't notice anyone join me. I jumped when someone started talking. I looked up to see that Olivia had joined me. She was smiling at me. Ever since school had started, she'd smile and wave at me. She hadn't come over to talk to me however until that moment.
"I'm not bothering you am I?" She asked.
"Oh no it's okay," I said. "I could use a little break. How are you? I haven't talked to you since my party. You must be glad to be back."
"Oh yes, I missed this place so much. My mum and dad tried to make a case about Sirius Black, but I can throw a temper tantrum when I need to. I wanted to be back, and I told them they weren't pulling me out again or I would just refuse to come home for Christmas and Easter. I told them I'd just find a way to come school anyway," she told me with a grin.
"What did they say to that?" I asked her with surprise. I didn't know how my parents would react if I told them that. They wouldn't be pleased.
"They were upset of course, and they told me I shouldn't threaten them. They also said they didn't want me to be unhappy though. So they said I could come back but to just be careful and follow all the rules. I'm not to go out at night, and they'd better not hear I did," she replied with a shrug. "I don't want to miss out on being here. It was so boring at home."
"I imagine it would be. I always can't wait to get to school even on holidays. I love seeing my family, but ever since I came here, I just want to be here. I was glad they didn't close the school last year," I said. "I hope nothing like that happens again."
"What are you working on right now?" Olivia asked. "I'm way ahead on my school work."
"I am too," I said. "I'm just studying ahead. I want nothing else but to be prefect. I need great marks and I had a detention last month."
"I heard about that," she said. "I think it's awful that Snape was picking on you. He ignores us. He did say he expected I'd be behind when I first came back. He was surprised when he found out that I wasn't."
"I don't doubt it," I said. "Want to study with me? I'm getting ahead with Transfiguration right now."
"Ooh sure," she said happily. "You know, I've wanted to talk to you since we got back. Maybe we can hang out more if you'd like."
"Sure," I answered wondering what she meant by that.
Did she want to hang out as friends or something more? It just seemed so random to me. I also didn't see her hanging out with other blokes. She spent her time with some Hufflepuff girls. She likely talked to the boys in her house maybe in classes or the common room. I decided it was best to clarify.
"So, you're meaning we hang out as friends or-" I began.
Olivia blushed and then grinned even more.
"Well, I was hoping maybe more than friends? I mean I like you a lot. I have since last year but I didn't think you noticed me. You told me at your party that you're glad I came back. So I hoped that meant you liked me too," she responded
I hadn't considered that of course, but she was cute and she had been on my mind a lot lately. So I returned her grin.
"I'd like that very much," I told her. "You know it's usually the bloke who asks."
"Well, the Witch Weekly said that girls need to be bold," she told me. "And you hadn't said anything so I thought I'd try. I've just been working up the nerve since we came back. I saw you alone, so I thought I'd take advantage. I figured if you said no… well, we don't see each other much."
"There is truth to that," I said. "I like your confidence. I just felt nervous asking you what you meant, but I thought it was best to ask. I was hoping that's what you meant."
"Well, I was nervous too, so that makes two of us," she replied. "I suppose that's normal right? Especially at our age."
"I don't think it goes away at any age," I said. "I've heard some of the older guys talk and they still get nervous too. So do the girls for that matter. Likely it's something that never goes away with new people."
"Too bad we are still too young for Hogsmeade though," she said. "We could go there."
"Well, we'll figure something out later," I said.
"Exactly! So let's work on Transfiguration for now. Maybe on Saturday we can have a picnic!" She said excitedly.
Later that evening, I walked her to the Hufflepuff common room. I'd always wondered where the other common rooms were. I knew Gryffindor was in another tower somewhere, but I just didn't know which one. When we paused outside her common room (which had barrels you had to knock on) we both smiled at each other awkwardly. I decided it should be me who did something. She'd basically asked me out, so I should make a move. So I leaned in to kiss her. I was thankful when she returned it. We kissed for a few minutes before someone shouted:
"Ooh Ickle firties kissing. How sweet!"
We broke apart to see two sixth year boys grinning at each other. I didn't bother to correct him that we were actually second years. I felt too embarrassed.
"Um, I'll see you later," I told her.
"Yes, talk to you tomorrow," she said.
I turned and hurried down the corridor. The sixth year boys shouted after me. I began to run, and I didn't stop until I reached the entrance to my own common room. I was kind of in a daze, so when I was asked a question, I couldn't answer right away. I had to knock again to hear it again before I could give an answer. I entered and looked around the common room for Tasha and Nick. I found them playing chess together.
"Get ahead on getting ahead?" Nick asked.
"Uh huh," I answered still feeling dazed.
"What's up with you?" Tasha asked as Nick's piece took one of hers out. "You look funny."
"I have a girlfriend now," I said.
I didn't see the point in hiding it from them. Nick and Tasha stared. They looked at each other and then back at me.
"A girlfriend?" Nick finally asked. "What do you mean a girlfriend? Like another girl that's a friend?"
"No, I mean a girlfriend," I said. "As in you know, dating."
"But you're twelve," Tasha said with annoyance. "Twelve-year-olds don't date."
"They do so," Nick said. "What planet do you live on?"
"On a planet where we're too young," she responded.
"We are not too young," I said. "People date at our age. I know my parents did. I am too. Olivia from Hufflepuff is my girlfriend now. We just talked about it in the library. She said she liked me even last year too, but she thought I didn't know her cause you know, she had to leave. We met up again at my party and she's wanted to talk to me since."
"So she asked you out?" Nick asked and he laughed. "You couldn't even ask her out."
"I kissed her. I made the move to kiss her," I replied. "Besides, I am the one with the girlfriend. Who cares how it started."
"You kissed," Nick state.
Their game of chess seemed to be forgotten now. The pieces were shouting at them to resume the game, but neither were paying attention. Tasha looked upset for some reason and I didn't understand why.
"Do you mean on the lips?" Nick whispered.
I nodded.
Nick's mouth dropped open.
"What was it like?" He asked.
"Seemed very nice," I said.
"Very nice?" Nick asked.
"Well I dunno how to explain it. I really enjoyed it… well until some sixth years started making fun of. It was awkward afterwards. We said we'd hang out tomorrow," I said.
"Wow," Nick said. "Guess I'm not that surprised. A lot of girls fancy you. I've heard them talk about it."
"Me too," Tasha said but she still looked upset. "Well, good for you I suppose."
"You don't seem to mean it," I said.
"I'm just shocked," she answered looking away. "I just didn't think any of us would date anyone at our age."
"I need a girlfriend," Nick said with jealousy.
"You need to talk to girls first," I said. "Maybe you could talk to Samaira more."
"She's is very beautiful but I don't think she likes me," Nick said.
"She does like you but-" Tasha began.
"She does?" Nick interrupted.
"Well yes, but don't you think you're a bit young?" Tasha asked.
"No," Nick said firmly. "Maybe you feel too young but I don't and neither does Barry. Don't date if you don't like it but don't bother us," and then he turned to me. "Do you think I should ask her?"
"If she likes you then you have nothing to lose," I told him with a shrug. "I think you should."
Tasha looked annoyed still but she didn't say another word against it. I wondered why she upset about it. Why did it matter so much? I wanted my friends to be happy, so why couldn't she feel the same way?
The boys in my dorm made fun of me about Olivia, but I thought it was jealousy. I was sure that they wished they had girlfriends too. Nick didn't do anything about Samaira right away even though I thought it was clear she liked him. Once people found out about Olivia and me, she started to smile at him a lot more. In fact, many girls started to smile at certain boys more and I figured it was because they fancied them.
"We seem to be starting a trend," I said to Olivia a week after we'd started dating.
Though a lot of people didn't make moves, there was now a couple in Slytherin and Colin Creevey of all people asked a girl in Hufflepuff out. Everyone was surprised when she said yes. This annoyed Nick and Philip. Neither could believe that he'd get a girlfriend before them.
"I don't think it's a trend. I think we just made it easier for everyone else to admit they like someone," she said.
"I just wish Nick would," I said. "It's obviously Samaira likes him, but he still won't do anything about it. The only one who isn't happy is Tasha. Not sure why that would be."
"You really don't know?" Olivia asked with raised eyebrows.
"No," I answered. "Why? Do you?"
"I'm not saying it. It's up to her to. Well… I hope she doesn't. Don't worry about it. She'll be fine," Olivia said. "Let's just go out to the lake. It's a bit chilly today so no one will be out there I bet. We can be on our own a bit."
"No sixth years at least," I replied.
We'd been very careful to hide when we kissed. We didn't want anymore people to make fun of us. I was just glad she wasn't too embarrassed about it. Olivia had pretended the next day that it hadn't happened, and so I didn't mention it either. It was just an unspoken agreement to hide and kiss. That was the first time either of us had brought it up.
"Exactly," she said with a grin. "I bet those boys were just jealous anyway. They're both single. They probably just don't like that second years were kissing and they aren't."
"First years," I reminded her. "Remember? They thought we were first years."
"Oh right," she said and giggled. "So that makes it worse for them. Some of the older kids have never even kissed before you know. Maybe they haven't."
I liked hanging out with Olivia. She seemed to have a good sense of humour and we always talked non-stop when we were together. We didn't run out of things to say. It was never awkward and I figured that had to be a good sign. I thought I was very lucky with my first girlfriend. I didn't know how first relationships went of course, but I thought mine was probably one of the good ones. I would have to ask dad or Garth later.
My parents knew I had a girlfriend and they were happy for me. Mum thought it was cute which annoyed me but neither seemed to think I was too young. I figured if anyone would say we were too young, it would be them. So I didn't know why Tasha felt that way. Maybe because out of the three of us that she was the youngest.
One night, a few days before Halloween, I went to Garth to ask about girlfriends at my age. He was seventeen and although I hadn't seen with a girl, I was sure he had to know something about girls. I still didn't feel comfortable talking to my other cousins, so I went to him. I found him just walking up to our common room, so I hurried after him.
"Hey mate," he said once he spotted me. "Brenda is a nightmare you know."
"Believe me I know," I said. "I told her to stay away from me for now on."
"I should try that. She's been nagging me. She's lecturing me on I should have worked harder the last six years since I wasn't made Head boy this year. There is no way anyone can work harder than Percy Weasley. I told her that and she just rolled her eyes. I knew she'd be annoying," he said.
He gave the answer to the question at the entrance. When we entered, I followed him over to his usual table. Thankfully his friends weren't around. I don't know how he managed to be so popular, but he was. He got along with people in the fifth year and older. I only knew people in my year.
"But you didn't come to me to talk about her," he said once we were both sitting down.
"No," I said. "I have a girlfriend now."
"Good for you mate! At your age? That's quite an achievement but don't expect it to last. I did have a girlfriend at that age too but it only last a couple months. It's not serious at twelve," he said.
"It seems to be for me," I said.
"It usually does," he said. "But what's the problem then?"
"I just have some questions," I said. "I have no complaints so far but I'd like to talk to someone anyway. Dad is so far away and I don't want to put it in a letter. I just want your opinion on some things is all."
"Well ask away then little cuz," he said.
So I told him my thoughts and feelings on the matter. Garth kept quiet while I explained our relationship to him, and even Tasha's thoughts on the matter.
"Well, it sounds like you're one of the lucky ones," he said. "My first girlfriend got so clingy. I wasn't allowed to hang out with my friends after a while. I've always been friendly with most of my year too you know. She'd go mad when I talked to other girls. So I had to dump her. You know, you're going to have more girlfriends besides Olivia and they're going to get jealous of Tasha. You know I hang out with Penelope. Her and me have never been anything but friends and other that fleeting moment I told you about, I didn't really see her that way. She hated when we talked to each other. When I did break up with her, she threw a fit right in the middle of the Great Hall. It was so embarrassing. I thought I'd never want to date again."
"But you did?" I asked.
"Four months or so after that," Garth said with a shrug. "And you're at that age when you're always going to notice other girls. I told you about how I was like. Well, even with girlfriends I still noticed them. Well, I still do but I handle it a lot better than I used to. Before I'd stare right at them, so I suppose I couldn't get too angry with Jenny for getting jealous, but I'd never cheat."
"I do still notice other girls," I said thinking about Cho Chang. Tasha had caught me staring at her again just the night before.
Thinking of Tasha, I decided to remind him of her.
"And what do you think of Tasha's attitude?"
"Well either she fancies either you or Nick, she is truthful when she says you're too young or she is jealous," Garth said.
"It has be the last two," I said. "She sees us as brothers."
"Well then either find out if other blokes like her or just her be," Garth replied. "But another thing you should realize is that some girls will try to make you choose between Tasha and them."
"Well it will always be Tasha," I said.
"I hope you always remember that," Garth said. "Some blokes don't."
"I'll never be that kind," I said. "She's basically my first friend. So do you have a girlfriend right now then?"
"Sixth year in Gryffindor," he replied. "Don't know how long it will last though. I mean, this is my last year and she's okay but I can't imagine being with her forever."
"Should you at your age? You're just seventeen."
"Thomas did. He married his Hogwarts sweetheart. Actually, they're expecting their first baby. The Hoofer family Christmas should be interesting this year. They're the first of us to have kids."
"We didn't go last year," I said.
"Expect to this year," Garth said. "Everyone's going to be going crazy."
"I dunno even know how much longer we can have these big Christmases once everyone of us has kids," I said.
"I said the same thing," Garth replied. "And most of us are going out of school. Soon it's just going to be you lot left. Hard to believe honestly."
"What's hard to believe?" Someone asked.
I looked over to see Brenda had walked over. She pulled out a chair and sat down. I sighed but I didn't say anything. So far I'd been lucky not to have to have to talk her. My luck had run out. She was probably going to lecture us or something. I wondered if she even knew I had a girlfriend.
"That you lot are going to be the last Hoofer's soon," Garth answered.
"Oh," she said. "Well yes, I suppose that is true. It's just us and Sam. Your brother won't even talk to me you know."
"He doesn't talk to me either," I said. "Neither of them do."
"So it's nothing personal then," Brenda said.
"Nope," I replied. "So what do you want?"
"I saw you two talking so I thought I'd come over," she said and then she frowned at me. "You know, I had to hear from Freddy that you have a girlfriend. He's in Hufflepuff. How is it that I hear from someone in Hufflepuff in my year?"
"I dunno," I said with a shrug. "Guess we're a topic of conversation in Hufflepuff house? She's in that house after all."
"But why didn't you tell me?" Brenda asked.
"Because you pissed me off," I replied. "Don't boss me around and maybe I'll talk to you more."
"Same goes for me," Garth said. "I'm seventeen and I'm a seventh year. I don't need a first year bossing me around. I mean, you'll be a seventh year when Sam is in first and Benny is in second. How would you feel if they bossed you around?"
"I guess I can see your point," Brenda said. "Sorry, It's just I thought you wanted to be Head Boy."
"I did, but Percy Weasley did better and he got it," Garth said.
"And think about when Brianne comes to school," I added. "You won't like it if she confronts you the way you did to me. I mean, I can't see you getting detention but if you do? I bet you'd be angry if you left detention only to find her there to scold you and to boss you around."
"I never thought about it that way," Brenda said slowly.
"Well here is some advice," Garth began. "Next time you feel like bossing someone older around, think about you'd feel if someone younger does it to you."
"Reason why we don't talk to you," I heard.
I turned shocked to see that Chester and Ralph had joined us. It was the first time that all the Hoofer cousins had talked since I'd started school. It would likely be the last time too.
"Why didn't you talk to me then?" I asked.
"Nothing personal," Chester said with a shrug. "But you don't talk to us either."
"I can't argue with that one," I said. "But this is the first time we've all talked since I came."
"Well we don't really hang out with Garth either," Ralph told me. "We kind of keep to ourselves. It is true that all the B Hoofer's will be here. You'll be what? In the sixth year when Benny starts?"
"Seventh," I said. "Benny's birthday was at the end of September."
"How is he now? Seven then?" Chester asked.
"Yes, he just turned seven and Brianne is nine now," I said.
"But she'll be bragging about how she'll be ten soon," Brenda said. "She started around November last year. She gets excited about her birthday way too early."
"And like I said last Christmas, you did as well as well until you were about ten," I said. "You'd start even sooner than her. You started as soon as I had my birthday and yours is in April. You can't complain about Benny or Brianne doing those things because you did it as well. You're no better than they are."
"Well, you did it too!" Brenda said folding her arms.
"But I've never bitched and complained about it," I told her. "I just grew out of it as you did and they will too eventually."
"Whatever," she said.
"And you'd better not be mean to them when we go home either," I told her.
"Since when did you get an attitude anyway?" Chester asked her. "You used to be nice. Now you're this bossy little know-it-all. The prefect badge could only go to one boy you know. Ralph has higher grades than me so naturally it went to him. If I'd gotten it instead of him, you'd have lectured him instead of me. Can't win either way when it comes to you."
"Seriously?" I asked her. "You actually lectured them? I swear you do it just for the sake of lecturing. You must enjoy it."
"I grew up that's all," Brenda said.
"No sweetheart," Garth said. "That's not being grown up. That's just being bossy. You're worse than Percy Weasley or even Penelope Clearwater."
"You're worse than Marietta Edgecombe and I thought we had it worse than her," Ralph said before turning to Garth. "She's this fourth year who feels the need to lecture us. I really hope she isn't a prefect next year because she'll be very annoying. She'll tell us how to do our jobs. She already tries that with me."
"If she does it then you probably aren't doing it properly," Brenda said.
"No, she does it because she has nothing better to do," Chester said. "I dunno why Cho hangs out with her. She's the opposite of Marietta and she's beautiful."
"Marietta isn't bad looking. She's just annoying. Looks have nothing to do with it," Garth said. "Actually some of the prettier ones are annoying because they're pretty. Those are the ones you want to stay away from Barry."
"I have a girlfriend anyway," I told him. "And she's nice but I know what you mean. There is one in Slytherin that is like that and some of the blokes even in my house like her."
"A pretty Slytherin?" Garth asked. "That's an oxymoron."
"Oh come on, they aren't all bad looking," Chester said to him. "That one girl in your year I'd shag anytime."
"Right like you've shagged anyone," Garth snorted.
"This is an inappropriate conversation," Brenda said.
"Probably cause you're eleven," Ralph said.
"I know the facts of life," Brenda said as she rolled her eyes. "It's just no one should talk the way the four of you are. Even the boys in my year talk about shagging and they shouldn't."
"Probably because their eleven" Ralph said. "They don't know what shagging is and even if they do, they wouldn't know what to do. And don't tell me they do or you do. You know what it is but other then that you are clueless. Most people me age don't even understand it."
"And you do?" Garth asked laughing.
"I do as a matter of fact," Ralph answered. "I've been with Elsie for over a year now. You think we're going to be together this long and nothing would happen? Maybe you haven't mate-"
You know I have," Garth interrupted. "Or should I remind you?"
Ralph's face suddenly went red and he looked away. I was curious and as I glanced at my sister, I could tell that even she was. She seemed to be more curious than disapproving because she suddenly smirked at Ralph.
"You walked in on him with someone didn't you?" She asked.
"I thought this conversation was inappropriate," Chester said in a high pitched voice.
"But this is funny," Brenda admitted and she started to giggle.
"I knew you were a Hoofer deep down!" Ralph said now smiling. "And yes, you're right. It was last Christmas holidays. I walked in on him and some girl. It was very embarrassing and yet neither him or that girl were embarrassed."
Brenda giggled again. I smiled at her. I was glad that she was actually enjoying this conversation. It was a grown up conversation and I didn't want her to make them think we were too young. They all grinned at her.
"I knew there was a sense of humour inside of you somewhere," Garth said. "This is the way you should always be."
"Anyway, what is this about you and a girlfriend?" Chester asked me. "You're twelve."
"Yes so?" I asked. "We've been together a few weeks now."
"Aw don't tease him," Ralph said. "You had a girlfriend in first year. Us Hoofer men usually get them early," and then he turned to Brenda. "You can wait until you're at least sixteen. And so shagging until you're thirty."
Brenda rolled her eyes. "I'll date when I'm ready. I'm not yet though."
"Be ready when we're done school," Chester told her. "Then we don't have to hurt the bloke."
"Double standards," Brenda said and then she stood up and walked off.
"Well she has her moments where she is okay," Ralph said. "So tell us more about your girlfriend Barry."
I grinned and began telling them about Olivia. I loved being able to talk to them about this. At one time they only saw me as this little boy they used to tease. Now they saw me as an equal. I decided when Benny was older, I'd treat him this way too. I'd probably tease him because he was my brother, and it was my job to take the mickey out of him when he was older, but I'd also talk to him like a grown up. It felt good to be talked to like this.
On Halloween, I couldn't help but think about the year before. Last year the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. So far, this year had been quite uninteresting even with the Dementors around. I hoped it would stay the same way. I hoped nothing scary was going to happen that night that would everything. Olivia wanted me to sit with her at the Hufflepuff table that night. I hadn't decided if I was going to or not.
"Ever since you've been with her, you've been hanging out with her more than us," Tasha said to me that morning after breakfast in the common room. "And now you're going to sit with her at her table?"
"I usually sit with you two," I said. "But she wants me to sit with her tonight. What's the problem Tasha?"
"Nothing," Tasha said.
"Well something is obviously bothering you," I said.
"Forget about it!" Tasha said angrily. "But it's clear when it comes to girls you change."
And without another word, she walked off angrily.
"What is with her?" I asked Nick. "I mean, I've been dividing up my time haven't I?"
"Don't worry about her," Nick told me.
"You should ask Samaira to sit with you tonight," I told him. "She's on her own right now. Now is the best time to do it! Who knows when Katrina or Gretchen joins her! You won't get another chance today."
"You think I should?" Nick asked glancing at her nervously.
"Yes, do it now!" I said.
"What about Tasha?" He asked.
"Tasha needs to get over it," I said. "We're allowed to date and someday she will too when she grows up. Go on! Do it now, Nick. She likes you. Tasha has told you and so has Olivia for that matter."
Nick took a deep breath and stood up. He walked over to Samaira who grinned up at him. I couldn't hear him, but her grin widened and she looked as if she were blushing. She nodded and said something to him. Nick turned away and walked back over to me with a big grin as well.
"She said yes," he told me.
"I could tell," I replied. "Good for you. Maybe you'll have a girlfriend too."
"I do!" He said excitedly. "I asked if she wanted to be my girlfriend and if she does, we can sit together tonight for the feast!"
"Great job mate!" I said. "So you have to make sure you kiss her tonight then. Kissing basically seals the deal you know. I wish we were going to Hogsmeade today. We could double date."
"There will be time for that next year," he told me. "I dunno why I put it off so long. It was so easy. At least I know for the future how easy it will be."
"Exactly," I said. "If it doesn't work out with them, we know we can ask girls out easily next time!"
"Well, you didn't even ask yours out," Nick told me.
"Doesn't matter. I know it will be easy anyway," I told him. "We'll promise from now of if we're single that we'll just go for it when we like a girl, okay?"
"Sure," Nick said. "I can't wait for tonight. Are you hanging out with Olivia at all today?"
"No, later on. We're doing that tomorrow. So you should spend time with Samaira tomorrow," I said. "And you know, it's easier for you because you're both Ravenclaw's."
"But we gotta make sure we don't ditch each other or Tasha," Nick said. "She's already upset and she's going to be angry when she realizes I have a girlfriend now and I'm sitting with her tonight."
"She needs a boyfriend herself," I said.
Oddly enough, when I said that it made me feel annoyed. I took it as feeling like a big brother or something. Perhaps it was the same way my cousins felt about Brenda dating, or even how I felt about her dating.
"Well plenty of blokes fancy her," Nick said. "So maybe soon one will tell her. For now, lets just celebrate our success!"
It was true that plenty of blokes fancied Tasha. I frowned at this momentarily. I decided it was that big brother feeling again, and pushed it away. I just smiled and held out a fist for Nick to bump. It was something the muggleborn kids had taught us.
Later that night, I took a seat at the Hufflepuff table with Olivia. She annoyed me a little when she told me to put a napkin in my lap, but I ignored this. Perhaps she was just nervous, and maybe she was also really neat. Sometimes my parents had us to do that too, but it was only for special occasions. Maybe to Olivia, this was a special occasion. After all, it was a feast and this was our first real date.
I'd never say at any other table besides Ravenclaw. It felt odd to me sitting at Hufflepuff. It was a different view and everything. On the other hand, I had a closer view of Harry Potter. Not that I was going to stare at him for the whole meal, but like most people I was curious about him. It was hard not to look at him at times, especially after what he'd done the last two years. He wasn't doing anything interesting though. He just sat with his two friends and talked. What could I expect though?
I knew the Hufflepuff's somewhat, but I didn't know them all that well. It was kind of nice being to get to know them better as well. I'd heard Hufflepuff's were friendly, and the rumour was certainly true. Not one of them found it odd for me be there, which I'd worried about. I'd been a bit self-conscious about tonight with different people. All the second years, and even some of the older kids welcomed me there though. No one asked what the Ravenclaw was doing with the Hufflepuff's.
The conversations were all pleasant that night. I noticed Olivia seemed to dominate all the conversations. I figured it was why it had been so easy for her to originally talk to me. It was her confidence and the fact that she never ran out of things to say. I knew a few people would could dominate conversations, and sometimes it could be annoying but I didn't find it annoying when she did it.
I turned in my seat a couple times to see how Nick and Tasha were doing. Nick and Samaira were sitting closer to the first years and talking happily together. He seemed to be hanging off her every word. Tasha didn't seem to be too put out. She was sitting with Luna, and the two looked deep in conversation while they ate. I hoped she was okay. I didn't want us to fight. She caught me looking at her at one point and she smiled before she turned back to Luna. That had to be a good sign.
The year before, we'd had charmed skeletons who had danced around for us. This year, the Hogwarts ghosts did a show for us at the end of feast. I hadn't realized we had so many ghosts before. I knew about the house ghosts and Peeves and of course Binns (who wasn't part of the show, neither was Peeves) but there were more than a dozen showing off. The Gryffindor ghost, Nearly Headless Nick even did a reenactment of his own be-heading. He'd been nearly decapitated but his head hung on just by a little skin (or whatever it was that ghosts) had. At times he liked to impress students with it, but other times he seemed annoyed if someone asked him to do it. That night, he had a standing ovation.
"Are you going to walk me back to the common room?" Olivia asked me as we stood.
"Not tonight," I told her. "They might wonder why I'm not there right away. It was a great night though. We should sit at each others tables more often."
"Then let's hang back a moment and let everyone go," she said.
And I knew why. We waited as the Great Hall began to clear. Once everyone was basically out into the Entrance Hall, I leaned forward to give her a kiss.
"See you tomorrow," I told her. "Nick has a girlfriend now. He'd like for all four of us to hang out sometime."
Olivia made a face. "Um… maybe. See you tomorrow Barry."
She turned and rushed off. I followed at a slower pace. I wondered what that was about? Why wouldn't she want to hang out with Nick and Samaira? So far, she hadn't really wanted the four of us all to hang out. I'd wondered why that was but I'd hoped it'd be different with Nick having a girlfriend now and maybe Tasha getting a boyfriend. I wanted all of us to hang out. I hung out with her friends after all.
"I saw that," Garth said as he rushed over to me. He put a hand on my shoulder and led me out to the Entrance Hall. "So how was your evening?"
"Not bad," I said and then explained what had just happened while we walked up the Entrance Hall steps.
"That could be a red flag," he said as he took me over to secret passage.
"You know about this way?" I asked.
"I've been here seven years. You don't think I wouldn't learn quicker ways to our common room do you? I'm surprised you know," he replied.
"We found it our first day," I answered. "Anyway, what do you mean it's a red flag?"
"She should want to hang out with your friends as well," Garth said. "You said you've hung out with hers, and you even sat at the Hufflepuff table tonight. She should be willing to do the same. It goes two ways with relationships. Do you think there is a reason for to dislike them?"
"They barely know each other. She was off last year after Christmas. Her parents didn't let her come back," I answered. "There wasn't enough time for them to get to know her. They barely know her and they'd like to. Tasha gets odd sometimes, but she still would like to get to know her better. She even said I spend a lot more time with Olivia than with them. If we could all hang out more, it could be different."
"I'd watch it when it comes to that Barry," he said. "You haven't been together long and this could be a red flag. She might actually be bossy or something. Don't let her keep you from your friends, especially Tasha. I understand tonight, but don't always let her make those kind of decisions. Remember to keep a happy medium with your friends."
"Maybe she is just nervous," I said.
"You need to find that out mate," Garth said. "It's something you two should discuss. Remember, communication is important."
"I'm glad I have you around," I told him with a smile. "I could always ask dad of course but sometimes owls can take forever. It's nice having someone here to ask these questions to."
"Well don't hesitate to ever ask me anything, and next year you can always talk to Ralph and Chester. They won't mind," Garth replied. "But you can always write too. I don't mind giving you advice. When I was your age, I didn't have anyone to talk to. All the older cousins were the girls, except Martin and he's worse than Percy Weasley. Actually, I have a feeling Brenda will be similar to him."
"I don't remember him much. He doesn't even come around for the family Christmases. I do remember he seemed kind of… well smug and pompous. I can see Brenda going like that and she's getting worse with age instead of better."
"I hate to see how she'd be as a prefect," Garth said. "Luckily, I won't be around for it."
When we go to the common room, we separated. He went to join his seventh year friends and I wanted to find Nick. I didn't see him or Tasha in the common room, and I wanted to know how his night went. I hurried up to our dorm and found him sitting on his bed already dressed for bed. He was smiling, so I took that as a good sign. I hurried to change and then went over to sit with him.
"So?" I asked once I sat down.
Nick opened his mouth to answer, but Ralph suddenly appeared in our room.
"We're all to go back to the Great Hall right now," he told us.
"Why?" I asked with confusion.
"Apparently Sirius Black was in the castle," he said. "Us prefects have to lead the younger years back. I'm in charge of you lot. Where are the other boys?"
"They never came up," Nick said. "So they're probably still in the common room. What do you mean Sirius Black got in the castle?"
"He was in the castle. He tried to get into Gryffindor tower. He tore of the portrait apparently," he said. "I don't know much else besides that. Flitwick rushed in and started to give us assignments. I wonder why odd stuff always happens on Halloween?"
We got up and hurried over to him.
"Last year Chamber of Secrets and this year, this?" I said. "I see your point. I guess a big feast is a big distraction. People must take advantage of that I suppose."
"The year before that there was a troll in the dungeons," Ralph said. "Last three years. Wonder what will happen next year."
"But why was Sirius Black trying to get into Gryffindor tower? What's in there that he could want?" Nick asked.
"Rumour is he wants Potter, and Potter is in Gryffindor tower," Ralph said. "Not sure why he does. Maybe because he was You-Know-Who's downfall?"
"I expect so," I said. "I just don't understand how he got past the Dementors! Must have gotten here before they did. Unless there is a way here another way."
"Geez, Harry has it all happen to him doesn't he?" Nick asked.
We found the other boys waiting for us in the common room. I wanted to know where Tasha was. Ralph took us out and even to our short cut. The other boys were asking the same question. How did he get in? I just wanted to find my other friend. She was probably scared at the moment.
We didn't find her until we entered the Great Hall. She was waiting for us by the doors. She hurried over looking nervous.
"How did he get in?" She asked once we reached her.
"We're all trying to figure that out," Nick said.
Dumbledore wanted all of us to sleep in the Great Hall that night, he even conjured up a bunch of sleeping bags for us. The three of us grabbed three, and made to move over to the other side of the room when Olivia rushed over to me.
"Come, let's go to my friends Barry," she told me.
"I'm going with this lot," I told her. "You're welcome to join us though."
"I think we should be with my friends instead, don't you think?" She asked.
"Why?" I asked with annoyance.
I saw my sister not too far off. I thought it seemed she wanted to join us, and so I wanted to be with my friends and Brenda if she needed me. I'd spent the evening with her, so now I should be with my friends and my girlfriend.
"Uh maybe because I'm your girlfriend," she said. "You should be with me."
"Then come with us," I said. "I want to be with them at the moment."
"Come with me," Olivia said defiantly.
"I'm stay with my friends," I told her and then I turned away to face them. "Let's go. Come with us if you'd like Olivia," I added and then I walked over to Brenda. "Do you want to join us?"
She nodded. She looked nervous, so I took her by the hand and then led her over to a space by the wall.
"How did he get in?" Brenda asked as he laid our sleeping bags down.
"Don't know," I said. "We're trying to figure that out."
"Guess he apparated in," Nick said. "That's the only way to get past Dementors. Maybe he found an old wand somewhere."
"You can't apparate into the grounds," Brenda and Tasha said at the same time.
"How do you know that?" I asked them as we started to get into our sleeping bags.
"Hogwarts, A History," Brenda said.
"Wait, you've read it too?" I asked her.
"Tasha let me borrow her copy," Brenda said. "I needed to look something up and I found it to be an interesting read. I read through most of it."
"You read through all those pages?" Nick asked her with amazement.
"Yes? So?" Brenda asked.
"These two wouldn't understand about reading unless they have to," Tasha told her. "Not unless it's some still comic anyway."
"If I am going to read for fun it's not going to be a ten thousand page book," I told her. "And if he didn't apparate, how else could he have gotten in?"
"That's the big mystery," Tasha said. "He must be very powerful. I mean, he never went mad in Azkaban, he escaped and he got past the Dementors."
"The lights are going out now!" Percy Weasley called. "I want everyone in their sleeping bags and no more talking!"
The candles all went out instantly. Though there was still some light from the ghosts as they floated around.
"So is Olivia going to be angry with you?" Tasha asked me.
"Probably," I said. "But I spent the feast with her, and my sister needed me. I'm staying with you lot. She'll get over it, and if not? Oh well."
"She seems a bit demanding," Brenda said. "I couldn't help but overhear."
"I was surprised you didn't back down to be honest," Nick said to me.
"Why? I'm not going to let someone walk all over me," I said. "Garth told me to never let that happen, and he is right."
"But what if she breaks up with you?" He asked.
"Then she breaks up with me," I said. "I don't want a bossy girlfriend. Speaking of girlfriends, how did your night go? You never got the chance to tell me."
"Yes, how did it go? You two looked happy," Tasha said. "I told you Samaira liked you."
"Quite good. We're hanging out tomorrow," Nick said.
"Good," Tasha said.
"I thought you said we were too young," I said to her.
"I changed my mind. I was just scared of being left out but I don't want you two to be unhappy either. I'm not going to stand in your way. Tonight you proved you won't ditch us Barry," she said.
"Enough talking!" Percy Weasley said as he approached us. "Don't make me come back over here again!"
I heard Tasha giggle as he walked off, but no one said a word again. I just stared up at the ceiling instead. Usually you could stare off into space for eons but with the lights out, you could even more. I thought I saw a shooting star in fact. I wished that things would work out for me when it came to my friends and girlfriends. I knew Olivia wasn't going to be my girlfriend forever, but I hoped tonight wasn't it either. I did like her after all. So she needed to stop with the bossiness. All this was on my find as I finally fell asleep.