"You can't just switch off your feelings just because the other person did." - Sofia Kinsella
Chapter Twenty Three - The Yule Ball
That night, the Slytherin common room was louder than ever. Firewhiskey was being poured into everyone's cups, regardless of their ages (some of the younger students were taking a little too much advantage of that), the music was on full blast, and people were laughing and joking with one another. In the middle of it all was Ceph, graciously accepting everyone's congratulations, letting them touch the Golden Egg that was supposedly a clue for the next Task. Ankaa rolled her eyes.
"He's carrying that thing around like a baby," She pointed out, taking a seat on the armrest of the chair Draco was sat it. Pansy, who was sitting opposite him, nursing a glass of butterbeer, looked up.
Draco laughed, "He worked hard for it. Let him be."
Ankaa did not respond. She reached over to one of the second year girls who was trying to smuggle an entire bottle of Firewhiskey under her shirt and up to her dormitory. The girl paused when Ankaa looked at her, and shrugged, "What?"
Ankaa pointed at her bulging stomach, "What've you got there?"
"Cauldron cakes," The young girl lied easily, "Saving a bit for later."
Ankaa turned to Draco, feigning innocence, and asked, "Are cauldron cakes shaped like Firewhiskey bottles these days, Draco?"
"Not last I checked," Draco pursed his lips, holding his chin between his thumb and forefinger. "I think they would have changed the name otherwise, don't you think? Not really much of a cauldron cake if it doesn't look like a cauldron-"
"Or a cake," Ankaa smiled smugly, turning back to the now frowning girl. Ankaa held out her hand, and the girl stood still for a moment. Then, with a dramatic sigh, she reached under her shirt and pulled out the completely filled bottle of Firewhiskey and jammed it into Ankaa's hand harshly. She turned to walk away when Ankaa called out to her once more.
"The Butterbeer too, kid."
The girl rounded on Ankaa, furious. "It's not even alcoholic!" She cried. Pansy laughed at her.
"Ah, but," Ankaa stood with a flourish, "You're not a third year. If you can't go to Hogsmeade, you can't have the Butterbeer."
Once again, the girl reached around the back of the waistband of her pants and pulled out a bottle of Butterbeer. Ankaa took it with a teasing smile and made a shooing gesture. The girl grumbled and walked away to her friends, who were looking downtrodden by the lack of alcoholic beverages.
"What a pain," Ankaa sighed as she settled herself on the chair next to Draco.
"She was determined though," Draco muttered, glancing at the girl and her friends (who were conspiring amongst themselves once more). "Give those to me, I'll save them for later." Ankaa passed him the bottles, which he shrunk in size and stored them in his pockets. See, if the other Slytherin girl had been smart enough and done this, Ankaa would have never caught on.
"I still can't believe Ceph isn't first," Ankaa muttered, glancing at her laughing brother.
Draco nodded, looking slightly angered as well. "Personally, I think he was better than Potter and Krum," He admitted.
"Yeah," Pansy agreed. "Krum shouldn't have gotten ten points from Karkaroff for destroying his eggs."
Ceph didn't seem the least bit worried though. Ankaa wondered it was probably because he was just glad to be competing. Ankaa turned slightly, spotting Ceph chugging back yet another shot of Firewhiskey. Ankaa stayed at her spot for most of the night, even when Draco wandered off somewhere, and Pansy left. Crabbe and Goyle were by the food table, seeing which one could stuff more marshmallow twisties in his face.
"ALRIGHT!" Terence yelled, standing up on a table in the middle of the common room. It took a moment, but finally, everyone fell silent and looked up at him. With a dramatic wave of his hand, Terence continued, "Let's hear it for Ceph!" The common room rumbled with the noise of everyone cheering for him. "C'mon then Ceph, let's hear that clue."
Ceph was pulled on the table as well. Once the cheer had died down once more, Ceph held the Golden Egg up.
"You guys ready?"
His question was met with rambunctious applause once more. With a teasing wink, Ceph placed one hand on the top of the egg and twisted the top. What followed was the most horrendous wailing Ankaa had ever heard in her life. Everyone hurried to cover their ears, their eyes squinting shut. The merpeople who had gathered by the windows of the common room scurried away as well, frowning. Ceph quickly shut the egg again.
"Not exactly what I had in mind," He muttered, "But ok."
"Kinda sounds like Parkinson in the shower," Greengrass muttered from beside Ankaa, who snorted in amusement. Pansy, on her other side, frowned before swatting at Greengrass playfully.
It seemed that the excitement that had followed the First Task had dwindled the slightest bit in the next few weeks. Students were once again reminded that despite Hogwarts hosting the Tournament, there was still homework to be done. Ceph was certainly busy, studying for his N.E.W.T's as well as trying to figure the Egg out.
"I think I've got some ideas," He told her when they were walking down to their classes from the Great Hall a few weeks later. Ahead of them, Draco and the rest of Ankaa's friends were strutting about, heading to Care of Magical Creatures.
"Oh and listen," Ceph pulled on her arm, creating some distance between the other Slytherin group. "About the Tournament, I think I want to try it out for myself, you know?"
Ankaa raised a brow. "You are doing it by yourself," She sassed.
"I meant about your visions," He whispered lowly after glancing around. "It was rather exciting to face the Dragon. I reckon once I've got this clue all sorted, I'll have even more fun with the next one."
"So you don't need my help?"
"Not entirely," He admitted. "I just—I don't want you to be forced into it, alright? You said it yourself, you'll see something if it's important right? The Inner Eye can force visions? It'll be alright then, but until that point, give yourself a break."
Ankaa pursed her lips. She wasn't entirely alright with his logic, seeing as sometimes even important visions slipped past her. But, she reminded herself, she still had two flasks of Mopsus' potion. Either way, she was insured. With that in mind, Ankaa nodded compliantly.
"Great!" Ceph smiled. "Oh, and also, remember to write to Mom and Dad… and Dad, alright? I'll see you later?"
And then he was off, smiling widely and strutting through the halls. Ankaa watched him go for a moment, before shaking her head and turning to head towards Care of Magical Creatures.
She had known for a while now that she would have to write to Sirius. As she made her way to Hagrid's hut, knowing full well that she was late, Ankaa slowed down even more. How does one write a letter to an estranged father? Or in her case, how does one write a letter, to begin with?
Sadly, she did not have enough time to ponder her situation. When she reached Hagrid's hut, she found that more than half of the class was missing. The Golden Trio was there as well, along with Hagrid who was trying to wrestle with one of the Blast-Ended Skrewts.
"What's going on?" Ankaa asked Blaise, taking a look around at the empty field. "Where's everybody else?"
Blaise did not look like he wanted to talk to her, but seeing as she was one of the only Slytherins present whom he talked to, he relented. Blaise pointed to Hagrid's hut. Ankaa could see the faces of her classmates peeking out from the windows, trying to decide if it was safe to come outside.
"He thought they hibernated," Blaise muttered, casting a distasteful look at Hagrid, still trying to round up the Skrewts. "He tried to force them into boxes, and obviously, they didn't take that too well."
Ankaa snorted.
"Well, well, well… this does look like fun."
Ankaa turned to find Rita Skeeter standing by the edge of the fence, looking completely out of place in her atrocious purple feathered jacket/skirt outfit. She had her usual snide expression in place as she examined the pumpkin patch wearily.
"She's still here?" Ankaa groaned. "I figured she'd get her scoop on the champions and be done with it."
Blaise shrugged. "She's got her eye on him now." He gestured slightly over to Hagrid, who was looking rather flustered with the attention she was giving him.
Skeeter glanced around at the students, taking in their reaction to being forced to deal with temperamental Skrewts. Her attention was soon diverted, however, when she found Harry in the crowd. If Ankaa thought that was the last she would see of Skeeter, she was sorely mistaken.
Once she had exhausted her questions with Harry, Skeeter's gaze inevitably landed on her. Ceph had warned Ankaa about Rita Skeeter and her none too intelligent questions, but Ankaa never though the Daily Prophet reporter would deem her worthy enough of talking to her. But here she was, standing in front of Ankaa, looking absolutely delighted.
"You must be Ankaa Rhyther," Skeeter took her hand and gave it a vigorous shake. Before Ankaa could answer, Skeeter continued, "I recognized you from your cheekbones. You and your brother have the most remarkable cheekbones I've ever seen."
"Thank you," Ankaa smiled politely, all the while trying to pull her hand free from the vulture's grip.
"I'm Rita Skeeter, but of course, you knew that." The woman smiled, finally letting go of Ankaa's hand to guide it through her tight curls, trying to fluff them up a bit.
"Oh, yes," Ankaa said airily, "Ceph's told me about you. He wanted to thank you for your work about the Tournament. Sadly, he's been a bit busy with the First Task, and I don't know if he got a chance to—"
Skeeter giggled obnoxiously, looking flattered. "What a dear," She gushed, "I knew all along that he was a charming young boy! Now, tell me Miss Rhyther, how are you enjoying your classes?"
Ankaa raised a brow at her awful transition. Skeeter didn't seem to care, however. Blaise and Ankaa shot each other subtle looks. Dealing with reporters like Skeeter was always a delicate matter.
"Rather well—"
"And Care of Magical Creatures? How would you say you feel about this class?"
Ankaa could see the Harry, Hermione, and Ron watching her intently over Skeeter's shoulder. Ankaa had a feeling Skeeter had already posed the same question to Harry. With a question this specific, she was no doubt trying to find some dirt on Hagrid. And as much as Ankaa though Hagrid was a scatterbrained Professor, she wasn't about to give an official statement about it.
"It's alright," Ankaa lied easily. "If you'll excuse us, Miss Skeeter, Blaise and I must be getting back to our lesson."
Skeeter finally looked at Blaise, who was giving her a small smirk. She nodded and stepped aside, "Of course! It was such a pleasure talking to you! I do hope we get to talk to each other again!"
"What a bother." Blaise laughed once she stumbled away in her heels.
"What!" Pansy screeched when Ankaa sat down next to her in the Great Hall a few days later. When Professor Snape glared at her over the top of a book, she flushed before turning to Ankaa, furious. "What do you mean you haven't got a date to the Ball!"
"I mean," Ankaa sighed, "that I haven't got a date to the Ball."
"How is that possible?" Parkinson muttered to herself. "I thought you'd be the first person to be asked."
"She has been, loads of times, isn't that right Ankaa?" Draco retorted, giving her an exaggerated wink as he looked up from his work. "She's just waiting for someone specific."
At this, Pansy gasped. Her vice-like grip came down on Ankaa's hand, clutching it as if her life depended on it.
"Who!"
"Merlin, will you get off me!" Ankaa pushed her away, irritated. She could see Snape was getting annoyed with all the ruckus they were causing, but he seemed far too occupied with bothering Weasley and Potter to say anything.
"Who're you waiting for?" Pansy whined, "Tell me."
"If you stop talking for the rest of the hour," Ankaa sighed, "I'll tell you."
Pansy nodded eagerly, giving her a closed-lip smile, showing her that she wouldn't even open her mouth. Draco snorted in amusement before turning back to Goyle, who was saying something. Blaise shook his head in amusement, not looking away from his work.
When Ankaa finished, she stood up and walked over to where Snape was standing by the Gryffindors, looking over their work. As she went to hand him her book, she saw Fred throw a piece of paper in her direction. Or rather, in front of her. At Angelina.
"Oi! Angelina!" He whispered. When she turned to him, slightly irritated, he gave her a dazzling smile. Pointing to her, and miming a dance move in the most adorable way Ankaa had ever seen, he asked her, "Do you want to go to the Ball with me?"
"The Ball?" Angelina seemed surprised. Her annoyance had melted away, and she gave him a shy smile, "Yeah alright."
Ankaa blinked a couple of times, trying to register whether the scene that had happened in front of her was real or not. The giggles from Angelina's friends and her excited smile told her that it indeed had been real.
She had been standing right behind Angelina. For a moment, it seemed like a cruel joke to her. The fact that he was asking her out right in front of her, and so much so that it seemed like it was directed at her for a moment. But he hadn't even noticed her.
Ankaa handed her work to Snape and turned around quickly. She walked over to her friends quickly and picked up her things. They, for the most part, didn't seem to think anything was wrong. Blaise, however, had noticed. He gave her a pitying look and then cast his eyes to a laughing Fred Weasley.
Ankaa glared at him before hiking her bag over her shoulder and leaving. As she exited the Great Hall and headed for the courtyard, she wondered what she was feeling. Whatever this feeling was, it was absolutely awful. She felt like curling up into a ball and ignoring everyone.
But no. She had things to do.
Casting a warming spell around her, she settled down by one of the benches, watching as the snow settled down on the ground. After a moment, she pulled out a heavy book from her bag and placed it on her lap, followed by a parchment and a quill.
Dear Padfoot,
Ceph wanted me to write to you, so bear with me. I don't know if you've heard about the First Task already, but Ceph was bloody awesome. Survived the dragon with hardly a scratch on him. He's not in first place though. Karakaroff gave him three points, which put him a point behind Krum and Harry.
Things here are going smoothly, I suppose. Classes have been good. We've got the Yule Ball coming up, so everyone's pretty excited about that. I guess it'll be fun, dancing around and having fun. I don't know, I'm rather tired of Balls, seeing as I've been to so many.
Ceph was wondering if we'd get a chance to talk to you again? He's been a bit stressed about figuring out the next clue, and as of now, he hasn't got anything. He doesn't show it, but I really think he needs someone to talk to. Anyway, whatever the case, write back.
- A.C.R
"It's alright," Ankaa muttered to herself, pursing her lips as she studied the letter. It was more than she'd ever written before. She had tried to be emotional, and it looked like it had gone rather well.
"Ankaa?"
Ankaa looked up to see Cedric Diggory and his friends by the entrance. Ankaa quickly folded up the letter as Cedric approached, and placed it between the pages of her book.
"Have I interrupted something?" Cedric asked with a smile, glancing down at her as she put away her things.
"No," Ankaa admitted, "I was just finishing up."
"Headed into the Hall?" he asked her, motioning with his head.
"Er—No, I wanted a bit of fresh air."
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all." With that, Cedric sat down beside her. It was slightly awkward in her mind. Cedric and Ankaa had always talked to each other in passing, but they never really sat down and talked. Ankaa really only talked to him because he was friends with her brother.
"I bet you're excited about the Yule Ball," Cedric grinned at her, looking away from the sky. "All the girls in Hufflepuff are dying to get a chance to dress up."
Ankaa laughed slightly. "I guess," She admitted wearily. "I've been to a lot of things like this though," She told him. "I guess the novelty has worn off slightly for me."
"I bet," Cedric nodded eagerly. "But it must be fun still, going with your classmates?"
"Maybe," Ankaa shrugged. There was a beat of silence, and then Ankaa said, "I'm not sure I'll be going, actually."
Cedric seemed surprised at first and then worried. "Why not?" When Ankaa only shrugged, he asked her, "Did no one ask you?"
"Hm? Oh! No, no," Ankaa told him quickly, "I was just… I was waiting for someone specific to ask me, or Iask him—or whatever the case—but he asked someone else and… well. I don't know."
Cedric pondered over her response for a moment. Then, with a warm smile, he told her, "I never thought you would be the person who would let something like that get in her way."
"I'm not!" Ankaa protested. "I think it was just a little disheartening to see, but I'll bounce back."
"Good, I hope you do." Cedric stood with a smile. Offering his hand down to her, he helped her stand as well. "You know," He told her as they began walking back inside, "I was going to ask you myself." He laughed and ran a hand through his hair, "But I thought you would have someone already so I asked Cho instead."
Ankaa smiled, "Cho's nice. I like her."
"I do too," Cedric smiled as they entered the Great Hall again. He stood with her for a moment, looking over at where her friends were sitting. Turning to her, he softly said, "Ankaa, don't let something like this get you down. I'll be waiting to see you at the Ball, alright?"
Ankaa nodded, watching as he walked away to his friends. Her eyes found the twins, who were looking at her intently. Fred seemed amused and gave her a thumbs up. George was glancing between her and Cedric with a slight frown.
Ankaa did not give them any response, instead, she turned and walked away.
Cedric was right. She would not—and could not—let Fred Weasley spoil her fun.
Christmas night, everyone was beyond excited. The Slytherin common room was bustling with life. Girls were running around, trying to get their last-minute details in order. Boys were busy taking shots before the Ball, knowing full well they would not be able to do so under teacher supervision.
Blaise was waiting with Draco, who was also chugging back shots. They were quite used to it by this point, seeing as they did it almost every Christmas at Malfoy Manner anyway.
"I still can't believe you asked her," Draco laughed, filling up another glass and passing it forward to Crabbe. "I didn't even know you two had ever talked before."
Blaise shrugged nonchalantly. "We're going as friends though, so it's alright."
Draco raised a brow. "I'm sure it is," He nodded sarcastically, "Did you tell her that? Does she know you're only going to be staring at Ankaa all night?"
Blaise glared at Draco. "If me going with Greengrass is so amusing to you," He spat, "Maybe I should point out you're going with Parkinson. None of us is really better off here."
Draco shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps not," He smirked. "But at least Parkinson's clear on where we stand. Besides, I quite enjoy the attention she gives me."
Blaise rolled his eyes. "We all know the two things you crave the most are attention and alcohol."
"Not true, I also quite enjoy candy. Rare occasions though."
Before Blaise could answer, the Common Room got louder. The girls all clambered down, dressed in their finest robes, with their hair done pristinely. Pansy was the first girl down from their group, wearing frilly robes of pale pink.
"She wanted to coordinate, you know," Draco muttered sullenly as Pansy made her way over to him. "Imagine me in a pink tie," He gestured down to his pristine black velvet robes.
Greengrass came next, wearing an emerald green dress. She gave Blaise a smile, winding her arm through his.
"You look amazing," He told her for the sake of it. Luckily, she didn't seem to catch on to it and smiled widely.
"Where's Ankaa?" Draco asked.
"She's running a bit late," Greengrass told the group, "She got back late from the Owlery today, so she said she'll meet us down at the ball."
"Anyone know who she's going with?" Pansy asked as they all climbed the stairs out of the dungeon. Other students were gathered in the Entrance Hall as well. Off to the corner, Ceph stood with his friends. Blaise noticed he didn't have anyone either.
"She can't be going with her brother…" Pansy trailed off. "I mean, that's just sad."
"She's here—" Blaise heard Greengrass breathe out. He turned around quickly, watching as Ankaa made her way up the steps from the dungeon common room.
She wore a long sleeve, fitted black gown that showed off her hourglass figure, and Blaise swallowed lightly as she walked past him. Her hair was done up in an elegant updo, to show off the back of her dress. The fabric dipped down, showcasing her back. There were strings of emeralds strung from one side to the other that contrasted the colour quite nicely.
She looked every bit of the deadly Slytherin Princess she had been proclaimed to be.
"Wow," Pansy breathed. "Just… wow."
Blaise watched quietly as people cleared the way for her and she made her way to where Ceph and his friends were waiting for her.
"No way, she's going with Ceph?" Greengrass speculated, taking a step forward.
They watched as Ankaa finally reached their group. Ceph gave her a smile and whispered something in her ear before giving her a thumbs up and striding away. Blaise's eyes, along with the rest of their groups', followed Ceph as he waited by the foot of the Grand Staircase as Florence Lacomb walked towards him.
"So… Ankaa…"
"With Higgs," Draco gestured.
Terence was holding Ankaa's hand in the crook of his arm, looking absolutely delighted at her presence. They were standing with Krum, talking about things Blaise could not hear.
"Into the hall, Mr. Zabini," Blaise turned slightly at the sound of Snape's voice, "Or would you like me to get you a chair, so you can gawk at Miss. Rhyther more comfortably?"
Blaise frowned before taking Greengrass' hand and pulling her along and into the Hall. Blaise tried, he really did, to ignore her for the rest of the night. He had always known that she was on civil terms with Ceph's friends, but he could never have imagined that she would go to the Ball with one of them.
"Higgs did always like her," Pansy commented as they all sat down at their table for the feast. "Didn't you hear what Ceph was saying?" She turned to Greengrass, who looked equally interested in the gossip. "He was going on about how Higgs should have let his sister be."
"Do you reckon she was waiting for him to ask her?"
"No," Blaise said immediately. At the questioning looks he received from the others, he remedied his statement, "Higgs had already asked her. He was the first one. She told him she wasn't sure if she'd be going—"
"—to let him down easy, I suppose." Pansy lamented, taking a bite of the food in front of her.
"Whatever the case," Draco pointed out, "They look fine now."
The group glanced at where she was sitting next to him, listening intently to what he was saying. On her other side, Pucey sat with his date. Pucey didn't seem to be listening to her, however, and seemed more attentive to the conversation between Higgs and Ankaa.
"Fine?" Pansy echoed, "Draco, they look fabulous! Did you see them standing next to each other? The power couple of the century."
Draco rolled his eyes, "Don't be stupid."
"Yeah," Greengrass laughed, "We all know Draco and his mirror are the power couple of the century."
"I have a hard time believing you're out here, alone, looking as beautiful as you do."
Ankaa turned away from the drink she had been examining to face Cedric. He leaned against the pillar beside her, giving her a lazy smile that Ankaa returned.
"Sadly, my date has returned for the night," She laughed, swirling the contents of her glass.
"Already?"
Ankaa gestured to the hall, which was now almost entirely empty. There were a few people left behind, but most of the Slytherins had retired for the night, electing to have a more 'adult' party of their own in the common room.
Cedric laughed, "Yes, it seems a lot of people have gone." He came to stand beside her. "You didn't leave with your date?"
Ankaa shook her head. "He's busy with another girl." Cedric's brows rose in surprise and Ankaa waved her hand in dismissal. "No worries," She told him. "We had only come as friends. I wasn't expecting much, and neither was he."
Truth be told, she was taking a few moments of her own. The scene was beginning to look incredibly familiar by now. Any minute now, she'd be dancing with Fred, and she would tell him. Ankaa had thought about changing it, about not telling Fred, but she just couldn't stand by and watch him with Angelina if there was even the slightest chance that he liked her.
"I'm glad you came," Cedric said after a pause. "And good luck with… well, whoever you wanted to dance with."
Ankaa laughed. "Thanks, Cedric."
She gave him a slight wave as he left, rejoining Cho. The two talked for a bit but decided to retire for the night as well. A few tables over, Ronald and Harry were sitting alone, frowning at the dance floor. Well, Harry seemed more lost in thought. Ronald seemed angry.
"He's mad at Hermione," Fred laughed, coming to rest by the pillar Cedric had been at moments before. "He never realized she was going with Krum."
Ankaa raised a brow. "I would have never guessed either," She admitted. "But at least I'm not caught up over it."
"Why would you be?" Fred shrugged, "Especially when you've got Cedric."
Ankaa frowned. "Cedric wasn't my date."
"Ah, but you wanted him to be." Fred gave her a sly smile, narrowing his eyes at her and trying to observe her reaction. "Tell me, is he the one?"
"No," Ankaa rolled her eyes. "And stop trying to guess, you and George are no closer."
"George reckons he knows," Fred admitted, gesturing over to his twin with his glass. George did not notice, he was busy dancing with Angelina, spinning her around in circles and laughing. "Won't tell me though. Says you will when you're ready."
"Smart of him."
Fred rolled his eyes, "Oh come on. Where's the fun in that? I've got two candidates so far."
"Let me guess," Ankaa raised a haughty brow, "Higgs and Diggory?"
"Was I close?"
Ankaa just shook her head and placed her glass on the table before turning to walk away. Fred caught her wrist though and pulled her his way.
"You're at a Ball!" He laughed, "It'd be a shame if I let you leave without having a dance."
Ankaa rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance, but really she was itching to dance with him. Pretending to decline, she took a few steps back. Fred only laughed and pulled her over, wrapping one arm around her waist and holding her hand in his own.
"You know," he said as he spun her around, "You look really nice. I'm liking the whole 'touch me and die' vibe you're giving off."
"I wasn't aware I gave off that vibe," Ankaa conceded, "But thank you nonetheless."
"Anytime, love." Fred spun her around once more, and the twirled slowly. If she wasn't nervous, Ankaa would have blushed. From over his shoulder, Ankaa spotted George staring at her, and giving her a thumbs up.
"Has George guessed yet?" Ankaa wondered out loud. At Fred's questioning look, she elaborated, "About whom I like? Has he guessed anyone?"
"Surprisingly, no." Fred frowned, glancing over his shoulder at his twin, who was once again occupied with Angelina. "He seems pretty confident though. Say's he's got you all figured out."
And he probably did, Ankaa realized. George probably knew by now that she liked his brother, and he was smart enough to keep it to himself. Ankaa knew it was hard for him to keep things from his brother, she was glad he did it.
"So, are you going to tell me or not?" Fred asked her, giving Ankaa a wide, excited smile.
"Tell you what?"
"Who you like!" Fred whined, "Come on! I've been trying to guess this entire week!"
She could change it. But looking at his wide smile, at how excited and happy he looked, Ankaa finally understood why she had blurted out the truth. It was a small joy, to see him so happy in her presence when all she had seen was his excitement at dating Angelina for the past week. And that's why, Ankaa understood now, that's why she had told him; because she liked seeing him happy. Happy when she had caused it.
"You," Ankaa breathed, "I like you."
It was too late to take it back now, and she knew that. But she wished she could, especially when Ankaa saw Fred's smile falter.
"What?"
Ankaa sighed, stepping away from him. She couldn't lie to him.
"I like you, Fred." She whispered, "George knows it, and he won't tell you because he wanted me to be the person to tell you."
"Ankaa—"
"I know you—that you like Angelina," Ankaa swallowed uncomfortably. "And I'm not—what I'm saying is—"
"Ankaa," Fred glanced around as if he was making sure no one was listening. Giving her a pitying look, he told her, "Ankaa, I don't like you like that."
In the back of her head, Ankaa had known this would happen. How could it not?
"I'm sorry," He told her. "I'm so, so sorry, Ankaa."
From the corner of her eyes, she saw his hand reach for her, to comfort her. She stepped away. She finally looked up at him then, giving him a dazzling smile, as if nothing was wrong. Fred swallowed lightly, still giving her that look filled with pity.
"It's alright, Fred." Ankaa smiled. "I'll see you later."
And with that, she turned and started walking away. Fred did not call out to her, and neither did she turn to look back. Ankaa glided out of the Great Hall, intending to head back to her dormitory and sleep until the school year was over. Before she could, her eyes found those of Hermione Granger's.
And she was crying. Ankaa thought for a moment that she looked truly pathetic, sitting in the middle of the stairs in a beautiful dress, crying her eyes out, massaging her feet. But she was hurt.
Without a second thought, Ankaa turned and walked towards the Muggleborn girl. Ankaa sat herself down next to Granger, giving her a small smile as she tried to wipe away her tears and look presentable. Behind the duo, there was another trio of girls, trying to console one of their friends.
Turning back to Granger, Ankaa gave her a small, genuine smile. "It's okay to cry, you know."
Hermione let out a breathless laugh, "Is that why you look like you're about to start crying too?"
Ankaa stilled. "Perhaps," She allowed. The two were silent for a moment, collecting their thoughts. "What happened to you?" Ankaa finally asked in a whisper.
"Ron," Hermione sighed. "He—" Her voice broke slightly, and she shook her head, wiping a new wave of tears away from her face. Ankaa gave her a moment, in case she wanted to continue. When Hermione looked like she would start bawling again, Ankaa spoke up.
"I told him," She muttered, wringing her hands together in her lap. "I told Fred I liked him."
Hermione just stared at her. For a moment, she looked like she was about to ask her how it had gone. But in the next second, she seemed to have pieced things together. Instead of the pitying look Ankaa was used to, Hermione gave her one of understanding.
The two didn't say anything after that. But when Hermione's hand uncertainly reached over to Ankaa's lap, Ankaa let her grab onto her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. Hermione got up and sighed.
"I best be getting back."
Ankaa nodded, leaning her elbow on the stairs and leaning back. "Good night."
Ankaa supposed she should be heading back as well. But she couldn't get up. Her stomach was hurting, and her eyes were starting to well up with unshed tears. Her mind could not stop replaying the horrendous moment, again and again, and again.
Ankaa bristled slightly when someone took a seat next to her. It was Blaise. He folded his long legs slightly and clasped his hands together in front of him. He didn't turn to her, nor did he say anything. Ankaa was half expecting him to shout 'I TOLD YOU SO!', but he stayed silent; waiting for her to talk.
"I'm sorry, Blaise." Ankaa finally whispered after two minutes of silence.
"For what?"
"For the way I treated you." She admitted lowly, wrapping her arms around her knees. "I understand now… what it's like when you like someone, and they don't like you back. If Fred treated me the way I treated you… I'm sorry."
Blaise did not respond. Ankaa did not expect him to, either. She looked up at him when he got up with a sigh. Blaise dusted his clothes off and took a few steps down the stairs. Then, he turned and offered her his hand. Ankaa took it hesitantly, looking up at him when he gave it a squeeze.
"It's a good sign you know," he told her, "… having a broken heart. It means you cared, that you tried." He pulled her up, "Now come on, let's head back. We don't want him to see you like this, do we?"
"Thanks, Blaise."
Notes:
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