Briefly, lightly, but meaningfully.
It had been over before I had even had chance to acknowledge the change of events, but the shockwaves continued to reverberate throughout my body even as I climbed silently into bed and tried to sleep.
The next day had been as normal as ever, and the day after just the same. I found the blank note on my bed on the third day, and had met Tom on the roof just as I always had. We spoke of school and spells and exams, and it was like he had never kissed me at all. In some ways I was glad nothing had changed between us- that we could still be comfortable around each other. But in other ways I longed for Tom's feelings towards me to have changed.
A week quickly passed, and before I knew it I was sat in front of Rosa's mirror being preened to an inch of my life before we attended Slughorn's dinner party. The four of us had all been invited to the 'Slug Club', although I was the only one attending the dinner- the others had only been invited to the dance- and Rosa had taken it upon herself to make us all look 'absolutely perfect'. After all, she reminded us, all the boys who will ever be anyone will be there. I had sat and watched as Rosa dabbed mysterious products onto the other's faces, and grimaced along with Emily and Raven as their hair was pulled and tugged into place. She even used spells to lengthen heir eyelashes or brighten their eyes! Now it was my turn to sit on the stool of doom.
Rosa declared me finished after a brief ten minutes- much less time than the other two- and I stared suspiciously at the girl in the mirror. Her hair fell in dainty twists around her face and shoulders, and trailed elegantly down to her waist before tapering neatly off. She had flawless skin and defined cheekbones, and her bright, kingfisher-green eyes were outlined and defined with dramatic sweeps of black kohl. I smiled, pleasantly surprised by my appearance, and noticed the subtle pink shimmer that graced my lips. For the first time since I had received the invitation, I felt ready and raring to go.
There were about twenty students sat around the circular table, the majority of them Slytherin, and Slughorn sat at the head. I recognised only two other faces at the table. One was Avery, and the other was Tom. All of the students present were fourth years or older, and all of them had some extraordinary talent or connection. The boy opposite me, a quiet Hufflepuff, was the son of the famous Herbologist Ivy Woodgern, discoverer of several plants and inventor of self-watering soil. Beside him sat a very pretty Ravenclaw, who I soon discovered was there due to her remarkable ability to pass all tests with 95% or higher. She had short hair and pixie like features, and was constantly either twitching her fingers or glancing nervously at each face in the room.
During the main course, Slughorn had been around all the guests and quizzed them on whatever it was they had been picked for. Avery had been invited due to his Father's position in the Ministry, as well as the fact that his Aunty was a well known Author. Tom was there due to his outstanding intelligence in all subjects, particularly defence against the dark arts. Why I had been selected as one of the elite however, I had not managed to figure out yet. Professor Slughorn had almost finished questioning the boy beside me on his Uncle's business and whether he would inherit it as the plates were cleared and replaced with pudding dishes.
"Ah, and last, but by no means least, Miss Tyller." Slughorn held out a hand in my direction and I blushed as everyone turned to stare. "How are you faring? You have exams approaching?"
I nodded. "Only end of year exams," I muttered modestly into my stroodle, "Nothing very important."
"Of course, but you will pass with flying colours, just like Tom here! I hear you two are quite the competitive pair in lessons..?"
I fumbled for words, feeling the heat rush into my pale cheeks.
"It is only natural I think, Sir," Tom interrupted, "To become quite competitive when faced with the possibility of being pushed into second place. Lana and I often spar for the top spot, but rest assured, Professor, that it is merely friendly rivalry."
I glanced up in admiration. The fluency and precision that flowed through Tom's words seemed so well thought out, and yet so natural and easy. He had a talent with words, and always appeared to know exactly what to say.
"Indeed, Tom," even Slughorn was impressed, "As you say, a little competition is often a good thing."
Before long the dinner was over and it was time for the dance portion of the evening to begin. My three dorm-companions were some of the first to arrive, and Rosa had only just walked through the door when she found herself twirling about the small dance floor with a handsome fifth year. I was stood humbly in the corner of the room, partly concealed by the shadows, hoping no-one would notice my presence, when a light touch graced my bare shoulder.
"You don't suit the wallflower role," a soft voice laughed in my ear, "Care to join me?"
I took his cool hand and allowed myself to be led away from the dim shadows. My heart was thumping- not because of Tom, but because I knew what is was about to have to do- but I tried to calm myself nevertheless; panicking would not help.
"Tom I really can't dance, I never-"
"Shh," he put a slender finger over my lips, "Just follow me."