The next day, it rained. I liked being inside in the rain. The noise was so relaxing.

I found it hard to concentrate on Transfiguration class.

We were changing water into fire. Pretty cool stuff. I imagined turning the rain into fire. It was a horrible, apocalyptic thought, but it was kind of awesome at the same time.

Mine turned into lime jelly a few times, but I eventually got it.

After Transfiguration, I headed outside to get to my next class, Care of Magical Creatures. I had time for a break, but I always get to my classes early.

"Gareth!" Mary ran up from behind me.

"Yes, Mary, what is it?" I asked.

"I heard the news about you and Anne. I just thought I'd congratulate you."

"Where did you hear that?" I asked.

"So it's true! I wasn't sure, the Fat Lady makes up a lot of stories." She giggled.

"What do you want to know, Mary?" I asked, annoyed.

"Is it really love? Or are you just going with the flow?" she asked.

"That's a hell of a question to ask!" I exclaimed. "What business is it of yours?"

"None, but I'd hate to see a friend of mine rush in to something he's not sure of."

"Thanks for the concern, Mary, but I'm pretty sure of this."

Mary bit her lip.

"Okay, Gareth." she muttered.

"What's this about, anyways? You and Johnny having problems?"

She sighed.

"Sort of. I guess I'm just jealous of your loyalty to Anne. Johnny's a bit girl-crazy, since he thinks he's going to get on the Quidditch team."

"Well, that's too bad. Why don't you dump him?"

"I probably will." she sighed again. "I just thought that this one would work out."

"You'll find the right lad eventually, Mary." I consoled her.

"Yeah, but is it worth the heartache?"

"It will be, I promise you."

She smiled weakly and walked to her next class.

"Man, why does everyone come to YOU for advice, Garr?" James said from behind me.

"Because you're a dick." I shot back. James laughed.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." he sighed. "Still, it's nice to be wanted."

"You need a shoulder to cry on, man?" I sneered.

He punched me in the arm. And again.

"No, I just wanna be that shoulder. Maybe I punch yours enough, I can absorb its powers." he laughed.

"So, you and Anne are together? That's nice. You get a kiss yet?" he continued.

"Not gonna answer that one." I replied.

He grinned.

"I bet you have, you sly dog."

"James, it's none of your business."

"Oh! Have you gotten more than a kiss, then?" he laughed, patting me on the back. "Good show, lad."

"No, James. I haven't. And I said it's not your bleedin' business, man!" I raised my voice slightly.

James ruffled my hair.

"It's all right, lad, you can tell me! You can tell your dearest buddy Jay-Jay! It's not like I haven't had my share of the lady-folk."

"James, I'm not gonna tell you!" I yelled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get to class! Jeez!"

As I walked out into the rain, I opened my umbrella, choosing it over an impervius spell. I was the only one with an umbrella.

Nothing interesting happened in Creatures, save for a few giggles anytime Anne was close to me. Seems the Fat Lady spread news quickly.

It was weird. Last year, no one would give either Anne or myself a second glance. Now, I was high-tier, importance-wise.

Whenever Anne was close, though, everything felt right. She shared my umbrella most of the class.