Chapter Two:
Performances, Portkeys & ProblemsDear Diary,
Nighttime and once again scribbling in here. You won't believe what happened, almost too embarrassed to relate but I'll put as plainly and as objectively as possible.
In Lavender's Boutique heels, which she insisted I wear, and Hermione's book bracelet(?), I traipsed to common room. Harry and Ron were involved in a game of Wizard's chess, so apparently they had made up. Phew! Anyway, I gathered my wits, took a deep breath and strode over to their table knowing that Hermione and Lavender were rooting for me.
"Hi, Harry. Hi, Ron." I addressed them in a perfectly friendly manner. I received an undistinguishable mumble as my reply. That was my cue.
I fell elegantly on one knee. "I plead guilty your sirs. You are most kind to even gaze upon my filthy hand. I have disgraced mankind by looking out for my friend and trusting that I was clever enough to scheme things. I scarred your young lives—" I could sense Harry and Ron staring at me as if I had gone bonkers.
"Parvati—" I heard Ron whisper, sounding embarrassed. Good, keep going, I thought to myself, ignoring the prickly feeling on my neck.
"—I've scarred your lives with my clumsy mind, but I have suffered, my sirs—" I jumped up and raised my hands to the sky.
"Parvati!"I heard Harry urgently hiss.
Ha, Ha, I was victorious!
"—I beg you to find place in your big, red hearts to forgive me and—"
"Shut up, for god sakes!" Ron stated. I was seriously getting annoyed now. I was in the moment and here he was ruining my moment.
"You still won't—"
"No, look!" Harry was pointing behind me with a shocked, but sympathetic expression etched on his face.
"Wha—" I began to say as I turned around. I was sure they were kidding, until I saw a disapproving Professor McGonagall surveying me with an odd smile.
I screeched at the sight of her and accidentally tripped over my heels. I was propelled backward right into Harry's lap.
That's right. How embarrassing can this get!
I managed to get myself up as quickly as possible, still blushing beet red. Professor McGonagall stared at me amusedly. "Very humorous performance, Miss Patil, a little over the top, don't you think…?"
"Ahmmm…" I murmured, unable to come up with anything else.
"Well, any case, Miss Patil, Dumbledore wants to see you and your twin in his office right now."
My eyes widened. "Why?"
Professor McGonagall pursed her lip. "If I knew, wouldn't I tell you? Now, follow me." I meekly followed her out of the Gryffindor common room, purposefully not looking back. They were probably laughing their asses of anyway, I thought bitterly as we approached two gruesome gargoyles. "Pepperlimes," Professor McGonagall said. The gargoyles sprang apart and revealed a spindly moving staircase.
"Go ahead, step on," urged the Professor. I tentatively placed my foot on of the steps.
Within a few seconds I was transported to Professor Dumbledore's office. I knocked on the oak door. "Come in, Miss Patil," I heard a clear voice resonate from inside. I turned the polished sliver handle and I entered a rather cluttered office. Pictures of the previous Headmasters were hung on the paneled walls. There were several curious objects lying about, such as a white basin, a muggle snow globe, and a beautiful fiery bird, which I immediately recognized as a phoenix. Padma was already seated on of the plush armchairs, looking decidedly worried. Dumbledore looked the same as he always did, with his flowing white beard, and wise, twinkling eyes. I had never come in close contact with Dumbledore before and was feeling quite nervous.
As I sat beside Padma, Dumbledore clasped his hands together and looked upon us. "Ah, I have some news for you Padma and Parvati." I leaned forward expectantly. Dumbledore's weren't twinkling anymore.
"Your mother wants to go home first thing tomorrow morning—"
"Why?" I sputtered.
Padma nudged me; clearly telling me shut up, not to be rude and interrupt the headmaster.
Dumbledore now looked rather uncomfortable. "Your father has returned."
Padma and I exchanged shocked glances.
"The stupid git."
Whoops! Did I say that out loud? Padma looked scandalized. Dumbledore's lips were twitching.
"Sorry, Professor," I said hurriedly, "you'll mind my language—no—I mean I mind your language. No, I'll mind my language."
Padma flashed her eyes at me while I stumbled upon my own words and made a fool myself for the second time that evening.
"In an case, Parvati and Padma, both of you will have to come to my office at five—"
"A.M.?" I questioned incredulously.
Dumbledore nodded. "Your mother wishes you to get there early and not miss a whole lot of school."
Poor Mum, I thought sadly. Padma was hunched over and trembling slightly. She always felt guilty for coming to Hogwarts instead of staying at home and helping Mum.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. It was time for us to leave and wallow in our misery in our dormitories.
Once Dumbledore was out of earshot, Paddy broke down completely and she is never one to cry! "I hate him—how could he leave us—sob—I wish I never came to Hogwarts—sob—I can't go there, tomorrow, Par—sob—it's just too hard—sob." I patted her comfortingly and pulled her close. Dad leaving us affected Paddy more than me because she was much closer to him. "It's okay, Paddy," I consoled, "we'll face it together, that's what matters."
And as extremely cheesy as that sounds, it seemed to calm Padma down.
"Are you ok?" I queried.
Padma nodded, we said goodnight and departed for our common rooms.
I didn't feel like heading back to the tower after the Harry/Ron fiasco, but a girl's gotta have her beauty sleep. Sighing in resignation, I muttered the password (Hocus Pocustue) and blindly walked in.
I was met with applause and whistling and cheering and whooping. I blinked open eyes to this unreal sound and took a good look around me. Harry was clapping, smiling at me. Lavender was whooping, screaming my name at the top of her lungs. Hermione was cheering, grinning brightly. When she saw me look her way, she shot me a thumbs-up sign. I smiled uncertainly. What the hell was going on?
Ron whistling and clapping and Dean, Seamus and Neville all seemed to be chanting my name.
"Bloody hell!" I exclaimed. The room erupted with laughter.
This was scary! People were actually laughing with me than at me.
"We forgive you," cried Harry and the cheering, whooping, clapping and whistling subsided.
I blushed.
Ron shrugged. "The apology was just too good to decline." A few people chuckled.
I felt rather shy, but all this felt rather good.
"Did you hear!" shouted Lavender in my ear. "They forgave you!"
I cringed. "I heard. Thanks, you guys are the best."
"What happened to all the formal, fancy talk?" asked Harry jokingly.
"That died away with my disguise."
After that I kind of stayed in common room for awhile, even though bed was desperately calling my name. Harry and Ron nicked food from the kitchens and everything. The 6th year Gryffindors enjoyed a grand feast, entertainment courtesy of Lavender and Seamus! If I had been in a more awake mood I would've asked her about it. Finally at midnight we all clambered up to bed, so looking forward to tomorrow.
At least I'm not.
I didn't tell Lavender about my father as yet because she seemed to be having fun with Seamus…. Anyway, I slept for a while, then awoke from a nightmare about greasy hair. Then I decided to write in here and tell you everything that occurred today. Here I am, still writing. I'm feeling sleepy once more and I have to get up at dawn, you know.
Yours,
Parvati
Dear Diary,
This morning was an absolute disaster and the sad bit is, I'm not even exaggerating. I got up quarter to five, so sleepy; I tripped over my broom. The clatter of my recently polished broomstick against the floor woke up a startled Hermione. No need to worry about Lavender, she slept like a log. "B-P-Parvati…why...are…you…not…sleeping….?" Hermione mumbled intelligently.
"Hermione, I have to see my bloody dad, who walked out on my mum, Padma and me ten years ago," I explained patiently.
This shook Hermione up a little bit. "What? Is that why you were at Dumbledore's office? I completely forgot to ask—"
"Don't fret," I said solemnly, "I'm strong gal, I'll punch him if I have too." Hermione wore a frightened expression on her face.
"Is he… violent?" she inquired, almost apologetically.
I forced a laugh. "Don't fret, honestly. He's muggle…I have the wand."
Hermione let breath of relief. "That's good then. Best of luck, by the way."
Curious—didn't think Hermione Granger would care much if my dad bloodied me up.
I arrived in Dumbledore's office ten minutes later. As usual, Padma was already present. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows when he saw me enter. "Right on time, Miss Patil," he commended me.
I forced my lips apart, stretching them slightly, so it would appear as though I were smiling.
Today just wasn't much of a genuine smiling day.
As though, reading my mind, Dumbledore proceeded to reach into his robes and pull out an old, tatty book. "Our portkey," he announced.
Padma scrunched up her face; she happened to hate the topsy-turvy sensation of the portkeys.
Professor Dumbledore placed the book on his desk. "You're welcome to leave in your time, just don't make too long as I have a meeting with the goblins of Dooblenook in 20 minutes."
Padma and I exchanged a glance. Taking a deep breath, I thrust my hand in front of me. Shutting my eyes I called, "1..2…3…" As soon as I touched the book, a tingling sensation shot through me. I felt I was spinning out of control, with the wind rushing in my ears. I couldn't hear myself think. Then, all of a sudden, I landed with a loud thud on a familiar floor.
The next moment, I felt someone shaking me. I opened my eyes to see Mum. She looked tired, but apart from that was the same as always. Her jet-black hair fell till her shoulders and her almond-shaped eyes seemed worried. She helped me up to my feet and pulled me close. "Hi, Mum," I whispered, trying to sound normal. Padma was overcome with emotion. "Mummy," she squealed and wrapped mum in bear hug.
I felt sad watching them, knowing that Padma would always be the favored one. My mum had continually denied that, but you just know. I cleared my throat and they released each other. "Why do you want us to meet him, Mum?" I asked bluntly. Mum's eyes were downcast. "He wanted to meet you…" she murmured.
"What do you mean?" inquired Padma.
"Ask him yourself."
Padma and I froze, unable to believe Mum. "You let him stay the night?"
"I had to he was—" Mum pleaded.
"What?" I demanded angrily. Mum has no backbone, she won't say no to anyone. I, on the other hand….
"Where is he?" Padma cried painfully. I winced, poor Paddy was falling apart.
"Right here," said gruff voice. I turned to see a bulky figure framing the doorway.
"Dad," I hissed.
"Dad," Padma breathed.
Mum was crying into her hands.
Padma was struggling not go and hug him, I could tell. I gripped her shoulder tightly. No way would I let him hurt my sister.
"Relax, Parvati," the person who called himself my dad said calmly, walking into view. He had changed on the outside at least. He used have a beard and glasses and hairy arms that Padma and I used be able to swing on. Now the glasses were gone, the beard was shaved and those hairy arms were hidden under a stained sweater.
I gritted my teeth. I would tell him to get out all right, but not before I got a few of my questions answered.
"Why did you leave? Why do you care? Why are you back?" I shot at him furiously. Dad sighed.
"How can I answer those, beta—" he started, but I interrupted.
"Answer them!" I shrieked. Padma wriggled out of my grasp and went to console mum, whose tears were overflowing and creating a river down her shirt.
"Alright," he muttered, glancing away, "I left because I couldn't handle being a father. I could never change diapers, or cook, or sing you lullabies, or—"
Gimme a break, I thought. Such sap can only be seen on muggle movies.
"Why did you come back?" Padma prompted, her eyes wide and bleary. I sighed with relief, thanking god she didn't believe his crap.
"I think I'm ready to be your father again. I'll do anything for my babies—"
Lord, he was suffocating me. I couldn't take this much longer. "Oh, shut up will you…dad!We've been doing fine without you."
Dad gritted his teeth. "Parvati, you were always a stubborn child."
" Mum is the best mother in the world and that's all we need. So take your bloody face, you… bastard, somewhere else and—" I hollered deafly, but before I knew it, my dad was cussing and cursing and me whacking me with some sort of a muggle weapon.
"STOP! You bloody bastard! Don't you ever touch any of my daughters again. Get out!" It was Mum, fighting Dad off me.
I was on the floor, but I knew what I heard. "Bandicio!" my mum bellowed, I saw her brandishing her wand. A blue glow erupted from her wand and dad vanished out of sight…this time for good.
A petrified Padma lifted me up from the ground. Mum took me into my arms and sobbed on my shoulder.
"Oh…Parvati…what would I do without you?" she sniffed.
"You were so brave, Mum. You finally used your wand!" I replied, really proud of my mother.
Mum shot me a feeble smile. "I had been keeping it there…just in case…you know."
"Where is dad?" Padma asked softly.
"Who knows…who cares…!" answered mum and I happened to agree.
What an awful experience that was. I'm rather shaken by it. After that Mum, Paddy and I talked for a long time, had an Indian feast, complete with all my favorite foods. Unfortunately, it was noon and Paddy and I had to head back to Hogwarts.
"Bye, mum,' I said emotionally, and buried my head on her shoulder. Mum patted me comfortingly. "It'll be alright, darling," she whispered. I nodded and wiped away my tears. While, Padma and mum said their good-byes, I couldn't help wondering if what I done was right. He was my father…after all…
I can't believe I'm saying this. He was a jerk!
Anyway, we took the portkey back and landed smack-dab middle of Dumbledore's office. Surprisingly, Harry Potter was there. Actually that's not much of a surprise. Harry is always going to Dumbledore for some reason or the other. Dumbledore greeted us warmly. "Just in time for lunch."
Padma and I groaned patting our stomachs.
Dumbledore smiled. "Perhaps not. Did everything go well?"
We nodded and directed ourselves out of the office. Padma was exhausted, so she went straight back to her dormitory, but I decided to wait for Harry. Don't ask me why.
10 minutes later, the two gargoyles sprang apart and Harry emerged. He appeared to have a thoughtful look on his face. "Hello," I greeted. Harry jumped, startled. "Oh…hi, Parvati," he said. "Hermione told me that you had some family business—is anything wrong?" I stared into his bright green eyes. Was he actually concerned?
Harry waved his hands in front of my face. "Earth to Parvati…earth Parvati!" he exclaimed.
"Oh…I'm fine," I said nonchalantly, but Harry seemed to sense something was wrong.
I sighed. "You don't really want a mopey, weepy girl on your back, do you?"
Harry was wary. "Not especially," he commented dryly.
Of course, Cho Chang and he had this thing…and they could still be having a thing if she wasn't such a human hosepipe!
"Well, I was called to Dumbledore's office last night—" I proceeded to tell him the entire story, top to bottom.
Harry was utterly shocked and angry. "The bastard!" he muttered.
I flinched. "Sorry," Harry apologized, seeing my face.
"Quite alright, called him that myself." I reassured him, contemplating on the strangeness of our conversation. I took a deep breath, feeling a little vulnerable to more tears at this point. I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and was astonished to see it was Harry Potter's.
"I'm really sorry, but the guy doesn't deserve you…" I caught my breath.
It might've been a magical moment if Harry hadn't added hastily, "or Padma and your mum."
"Right, thanks," I forced a smile. "So, when does Quidditch start? I'm chaser, aren't I?"
"Well, Katie said every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4.p.m. to 6.pm."
"Is Katie crazy?" I howled, glad that conversation was on normal terms again. Harry laughed and we made our way to the Great Hall.
Lavender was beside herself. "How could you did this to me, Parvati!" she moaned, burying her head in her arms. Sometimes I wondered who the drama queen was. "I was so utterly bored in Potions—"
"We don't even sit together, Lav. You sit with Pansy Parkinson—"
"Oh, don't remind me!" Lavender shuddered and I laughed.
"The point is I missed you and now you're going to explain why you weren't here."
I rolled my eyes, now she asks… after all that drama. So, I told the story for a second time that day. Lavender was stunned. "Poor you," she said sympathetically, hugging me. "But you were brave, Par. No wonder you're in Gryffindor."
"I was more angry, I think, than brave" I replied.
Lavender shook her head. "That was courage more than anything else…."
Even though a little on the ditzy side, Lav was a good friend, I thought.
"Anyway, don't dwell on it, Parrie—"
I made a face at her new nickname for me.
"Parrie?"
Lavender shrugged. "I have an idea!" she said perkily.
"Shoot," I responded flopping lazily on my bed. Lavender sat cross-legged on the floor with her hands on her knees. "You look like you're doing Yoga," I told her jokingly. Lav stuck out her tongue.
"You know how you wanted to do something, well…geeky?"
"Hey!" I exclaimed, throwing a pillow at her. Lavender ignored it.
"Well, I have combined geeky with useful and come up with… "The Hogwarts Handbook to the Hottest At hand Guys"." Lavender declared proudly.
I was trying with utmost difficulty not to roll my eyes, but I decided to humor Lav just for the fun of it.
"What a cool idea!" I cried.
"You really think so?" said Lav, beaming at me.
"You're so—" I was going to say gullible, but Lavender cut me off excitedly.
"Brilliant, I know. It'll be useful to all the girls in the school. You can maybe list the guys without girlfriends and pick few really exceptional ones and date them and pick up their quirks. How they flirt, kiss, compliment, give gifts…write all that in the book!" Lavender continued zealously.
Now, she put it that way, I wouldn't mind owning a book like that. I would mind, however, writing a book like that.
"Then after I date them, I just dump them?" I asked incredulously.
"Yeah!" Lavender said it as if it were obvious.
"Look, after you make it into a book, you could sell it to people. I'm sure it would fetch 5 galleons…."
Lavender was just too much. "What if the guys don't like me?" I said exasperatedly.
"Everyone likes you, Par. You're pretty, you're nice, you're generous, you have a sense of humor, sarcastic, but nevertheless, a sense of humor. (I scowled at that.) Most boys would die to have a date with you," (Seriously? I thought to myself.) Lavender said almost enviously. "As for me, only Seamus Finnegan will have sense to like me."
I felt like shaking Lav. "If only you had the sense to like him!" I cried impatiently. Lavender frowned.
"Look, I saw how he was looking at you and you were looking at him." Lavender blushed beet red. "In my opinion he is a surly git most times, but if he likes you, he must have some good in him!"
Lavender shot me a shy smile. "Really? Then I challenge you to date him and find out all his quirks and if all is good…I'll give him a chance."
I sighed. "Enough with book already, Lav, but if you can't see what a perfect guy he is for you, I will do that." Lavender grinned in a very smug, satisfied way, which is a most unbecoming look for her.
Lord, Seamus hates me. How am I going to pull this one off?
I decided today would a good day to start knitting with Hermione. So I joined her in the common room with my wand at hand. "Hi, Hermione!" I greeted her cheerfully. Hermione grinned enthusiastically. "Parvati! Great!" Then she grew anxious. "How was is it?"
I told her and her reaction was almost similar to Lavender's! Speaking of Lavender….
I began telling Hermione about Lav's latest, "The Hogwarts Handbook to the Hottest At hand Guys"" as we knitted socks for the house elves.
Hermione simply grinned. "Don't worry, Lavender already told me. I think it would be very useful book actually,"
"So, you can look up a certain Weasly?" I kidded.
Hermione frowned. "I do not like Ronald! He is annoying, immature and—"
"Completely clueless—" I put in.
Hermione began nodding then blushed and looked down at her woolly socks.
"…About certain things, yes…" she muttered meaningfully.
"Don't worry, I'll check him out for you," I ventured bravely, since everyone seemed to think I was so courageous.
Hermione laughed. "Don't worry about his quirks…I know all of them already," she said agonizingly. Poor Hermione—oblivious guys are most irksome.
"I'll do the book, but just for the three of us and Padma, of course," I said finally.
Hermione looked a little startled, clearly her mind hadn't been on "The Hogwarts Handbook to the Hottest At hand Guys".
"Sure," she said smiling, comprehending at last.
We knitted by the fireside, Hermione explaining to me the history of house-elves and their slavery, but I tuned for most of it. I just liked to knit, honestly.
"Parvati, what a beautiful hat and socks and gloves and…!" Hermione exclaimed, when we were done. I sighed. Knitting had been fun, after Hermione had her say about house-elves we talked some more and I told her my problem with Seamus. She thinks secret-admirer notes would be the way to go with him.
While all this was happening I designed an entire fashionable wardrobe for the fashion conscious house-elf. Hermione did about 10 pairs of socks and gloves. I'm sorry, Hermione might be smart, but knitting really isn't her thing. Harry and Ron had been unusually quiet, finishing their homework all this while. Hermione called them over. "Harry! Ron! Come look!" They reluctantly dragged themselves over to look at our creations.
"Much better, Parvati! The elves will be able to tell a sock from a hat from now on," Ron said heartily. Hermione swatted him playfully and winked at me.
"Ouch!" said Ron.
I, however, was concentrating on her Harry. He would most definitely have to be in the "The Hogwarts Handbook to the Hottest At hand Guys"!
Except I would never be able to date him. Ever.
"Great…you'll have to knit me a sweater," Harry commented. I was a little struck by his confidence. I mean, we had barely been on speaking term's util a few days ago and already he was hinting for a Christmas gift.
"I think you'd prefer those sweaters Ron's mother always knits for you," I commented coolly. Harry raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you hungry? You didn't eat lunch and I didn't see you for dinner…"
"Knitting," I answered tiredly, looking over Hermione and Ron who were arguing about something or the other. "But I'm very hungry." At that precise moment, my stomach groaned and I reddened.
"Evidence is not necessary," Harry said, grinning. "But I can nick some food from the kitchens if you want."
"That would be good, Harry," said Hermione loudly. I nodded, flushing slightly.
"That would be good," I repeated, my mind suddenly spinning. Why did I feel so…weird in front of Harry? It was like I was myself for a moment and then I became self-conscious again and turned into a mere image of someone else. I blinked, swaying in the spot. "Are you alright?" asked Hermione concernedly.
I yawned. "Just tired. I think I'll skip dinner, on second thought." I exited quickly, before anyone could stop me.
I got changed in a haphazard fashion and collapsed on my bed.
I dreamt of portkeys and house elves with emerald green eyes.
Yours,
Parvati
Dear Diary,
As I write, listening to the Witches Wireless Network, I have problems on my hands. I have too much work! Not only are the teachers piling more and more works on us, but also I have Quidditch practice and DA meetings to attend. Sigh. I also have to flirt with Seamus, which won't be very pleasant, I am very sure. Ugh—stupid radio.
C-a-n-t concentrate!
They keep on going on about some humdrum Broomstick Brothers concert contest. Anyway…it's 8.00 a.m., gotta go. And so, I start a typical Wednesday morning in Hogwarts. First stop, the Great Hall for breakfast. I strolled down the aisle, having taken care to make my skirt extra short (vile, I know) and wand curled my lustrous eyelashes. "Hi, Seamus," I said, smiling flirtatiously.
"Hi, Parvati!" Seamus called back, batting his lashes and puckering up. Dean Thomas and he began to laugh.
I scowled. On second thought, Seamus Finnegan….
Behind his back I levitated a secret admirer note and accidentally plunked it right into his Pumpkin juice. Damn! I was never good at pronouncing Wingardium Leviosa! Seamus innocently took a swig of his pumpkin juice. Oh no! I gestured frantically at Hermione who was having a very frustrating conversation with a first year troublemaker. Dean had vacated his seat, so I immediately took advantage.
Seamus began choking, turning blue around the gills.
"Seamus, are you ok?" Lavender asked, concerned, turning away from the essay she was copying off me.
"Yeah, drink some water," said Neville from across the table.
I panicked, then for some reason remembered the muggle move Padma had taught me for jokes from watching her favorite muggle show. The Hem leg or something! "Seamus!" I gasped. I performed the move (which I rather not describe) and Seamus puffed up a sodden white piece of paper. Everyone was covering up the mouths, which seemed to be issuing sounds of relief mingled with laughter. "Patil has gone bonkers!" cried Ron.
"What's new?" queried Harry.
"I resent that." I replied.
"What were you doing?" exclaimed Lavender, her eyes wide.
I reddened, feeling flustered, then…
"For your information, I just saved Seamus's life!" I said, more confidently then I felt.
"What? The mudblood way?" drawled Draco Malfoy maliciously from the Slytherin table. "Shut up!" I spluttered. Seamus was massaging his throat. "Hey, thanks, Parvati, whatever you did," he said humbly.
I felt quite guilty as we headed for Care of Magical Creatures class.
"Great start," Lavender commended me sardonically.
"Shut up," I mumbled. Scary, Lavender had picked my way of speech.
I we walked across the lush green grass under the mild October sun in silence. Ugh. Care of magical creatures! I hope Professor Hagrid doesn't show us something frightening or forbidden as he usually does. "Welcome sixth years!" beefy and rather large, Hagrid beamed upon us.
The Slytherins chattered on, showing no respect. "Olgi!" Hagrid exclaimed happily, pointing at tiny colorless creatures in his frying pan.
"Euww…are we going to eat them?" cried Lavender, disgusted stared at the Olgi with interest. They seemed quite harmless.
"Pet em'. C'mon now. Nothin' to be afraid of." The rest of the class gazed at the sickly, pale creatures doubtfully. I reached forward and so did Harry, Ron and Hermione. They're great friends with Hagrid or something, so they're loyal to him no matter what. "Stick out your finger…."I pointed my index finger and one of the Olgi clambered upon to it. The four us began to laugh instantaneously. The Olgi tickled us a cool, relieving way and I forgot all my problems.
Encouraged by our tittering, the rest of the Gryffindors began to feel the calming effect of the Olgi. "Happy creatures…. Come from northern Bulgaria—(Hermione's hand began to wave frantically) better in than any Peace draught or cheering charm, in my opinion," said Hagrid. I happened to agree. This wasn't a bad class after all. Suddenly I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
"Seamus!" I exclaimed. The rest of the class was giggling a few feet away, so we were alone. This was my chance.
"Thanks for…you know," he remarked, scrutinizing his feet with great interest.
"Of course, no problem," I replied. There was an awkward silence when both of us fidgeted. In mind I was desperately trying to find a good icebreaker. "Do you like the Broomstick Brothers?" I asked on an impulsive thought, remembering the stupid radio commercial from that morning.
"Yeah!" cried Seamus enthusiastically and I vaguely wondered what the hell I was doing.
"Well, I have two concert tickets at Hogosmeade for Friday. Want to come?" Now, I was really afraid. My mouth has a mind of its own, I think. It wasn't listening to a thing my brain was telling it to do. Seamus looked eager and began nodding, but then grew suddenly suspicious. "Why are you asking me?"
"Because no else likes the Broomstick Brothers."
Not me anyway.
Seamus relaxed. "Is this like a date?" he continued doubtfully.
Agonizingly I tilted my head, so it seemed like I was nodding. Seamus was stunned. "B-b-but- I thought you hated me…." He stammered. This was turning out be one of those long-winding conversations that I detested.
"No, I don't hate you. I just want to find out more about you that is partly why I asked you and I have a free ticket…." I said quietly. Even my own good lying tactics freak me out sometimes, but it was sort of true. I was Lavender's spy…on a mission. Seamus was thoughtful. "O-ok then," he consented reluctantly. I had feeling; he liked the Broomstick Brothers very much indeed.
Yours,
Parvati