Author's Note: I just thought in the book I should record my own stories of my dates with these guys. Don't worry, I'll be thorough. Have mercy on me, though—never have written a book before!
Seemingly sultry and mischievous, Seamus Finnegan tops most Hogwarts girls' dream lists. I had the great fortune to land a date with him, thanks to his passion for the Broomstick Brothers and my hatred for radio contests. Anyway, before you meet Seamus, you'll have to meet me. I'm am Parvati Patil and I shall be your host through the duration of this book. My mouth speaks before thinking and I land myself in rather large messes that way.
Like this date with Seamus. This morning I had been willingly listening to the Witches' Wireless Network, like any good witch, until they kept droning on about some stupid Broomstick Brothers' concert. I had shut it off this morning, but sub-consciously I must have been thinking about it.
At breakfast in the Great Hall, I unknowingly saved Seamus's life performing a muggle maneuver. Half-hour later I had asked him to the Broomstick Brothers concert on Friday…as a date! Two problems, I didn't have any tickets and I was supposed to be at Quidditch practice on Friday.
The good thing is I happen to have a twin.
"Padma!" I gasped at lunch that day. Padma was busily spooning herself some custard at her Ravenclaw table. I tugged on her robes. "I need your help," I whispered urgently.
Padma's eyebrows shot up and she grinned gleefully.
"When haven't you needed my aid?" she questioned.
I dragged her away from her nosy friends. "Listen, are you free on Friday?"
Padma nodded. "Sadly…yes."
"Please, please play Quidditch for Gryffindor!" I begged.
Padma was confused. "Can't you?"
"No!" I whined and proceeded to tell her the entire story.
Padma shook her head amusedly. "I don't know how you managed to get yourself into these messes!"
I was getting impatient. "Will you play Quidditch, then?"
"Play Quidditch?" queried Padma incredulously. "No way! It's dangerous and it's risky—all those bludgers flying about."
"You're good it, Paddy and you look like me! All you have to do is play for an hour or so. It's either that or spending quality time with Seamus Finnegan during a Broomstick Brothers concert."
Padma grimaced. "I'll take Quidditch," she said reluctantly.
I sighed; I knew what was coming.
"What do I get in return?" asked Padma, her face brightening.
"Love," I muttered irritably.
Padma crossed her arms and frowned. "It's the golden rule, Par…."
"I know…I know!" I replied.
Padma paused to think. "I want you to research Terry Boot," she said finally, blushing a little.
I sighed with relief.
"For the book?"
Padma nodded, looking over at Terry and then drifted back to her lunch.
1 problem solved, I thought to myself.
So, with Padma covering for me at Quidditch, I needed Lavender's help for making sure I won the contest.
"Lav," I panted catching up a bobbing pale blond head in the sea of brunette.
Lavender turned, her violet eyes wide. "I can't believe you did it!" she breathed.
Let's skip the small talk, here, I thought inwardly.
"Come with me," I whispered and pulled her to the Gryffindor common room. Hermione Granger was seated, reading a heavy volume of Advanced Arithmancy when we arrived. I told her and Lavender the fix I was in.
"So I have to win the contest!" I completed urgently. Hermione and Lavender wore identical amused expressions.
"Am I comical?!" I questioned forcefully.
They both shook their heads, giggling silently.
I stared at Lavender. "Please? Just give it a try."
Lavender began to look worried. "I don't know," she said doubtfully. You see, Lavender has a gift too see into the future. It's remarkable, but Lavender thinks it's a curse.
Lavender took a deep breath. "All right. Turn on the radio…."
We listened to some 'Weird Sisters', 'Cadaverous', 'Loud Orb' and 'Hanky panky Karma' music for awhile and the WWN started about the concert again.
"This is your chance, fellow witches, wizards and other viewers to win 2 tickets to our very own Broomstick Brothers, a band that has made it from rags to riches, concert! Exxciiting! " boomed the enthusiastic witch on the radio. I turned the radio up a notch and cracked my knuckles in anticipation. "All you have to do is guess a number from 1-100 within the next 10 minutes, the person closest to the actual number shall win the prize. So, call in. No wands involved, of course. The Wireless Wizarding Technology department shall find out if you do. Let the calls start pouring in. Our fireplace access code is Florae Pisciana Ah, I see, we have caller…."
Hermione was excited. "You get pop your head in their fireplace, that's what they meant by calls, I presume."
Lavender was doing her yoga position, her eyes shut. When she opened them, she looked nervous. "I tried, but all I can come with is 47."
"Ok!" I cried enthusiastically. "Let's call!"
We ran down the common room, panting, feverishly glancing about to see if there were any onlookers. Good, just a couple of first year girls giggling childishly. I waved my wand at the fireplace and murmured the words, "Florae Pisciana!"
All of a sudden, my head was blissfully cool, even though it was resting among flames. A friendly witch in yellow robes greeted me. "Hello. Do you have a number, miss?"
"47…?" I said, hesitant on purpose. My heart was beating faster each moment.
The witch stared for a moment and then erupted into a cheer. "I think we have a winner, Maggie!" she cried. My heart relaxed. On the other side of the fire and Lavender and Hermione had gone wild, whirling around, screaming. The witch pulled two gold and blue slips of paper from her robes. "Congratulations! Here are your tickets, miss. A carriage will arrive to pick you and your companion tonight at quarter to seven." The friendly witch handed me the tickets and told me to watch out for a great surprise. I nodded and removed my head from the chilly flames. Then I started screeching and hugged Lavender and Hermione.
"Lav! You did it!" I squealed happily. Hermione suddenly smirked. 'Too bad you have to spend your night with Seamus…."
Oh, don't remind me, I thought.
"Maybe it won't be so bad…." I ventured bravely. Lavender frowned.
"Just kiss him once if you absolutely have too. Don't do anything to make him fall madly and desperately in love with you." Lavender requested worriedly.
"Don't worry, he has eyes only for you and very bad taste in music." I consoled her. Hermione went back to her book, smiling.
The days passed and soon it was time I had to get prepared for my big date.
Lavender followed me dutifully and I began yanking dresses out of everyone's closet. Mostly Lavender's.
"You see if Seamus likes you…I should wear one of your dress," I explained matter-of-factly. Lavender seemed to buy that.
I decided on a plain, but sultry yellow silk dress. It went perfectly with my suede boots. Actually Padma found them at a muggle flea market, but I made them more fashionable. The have tiny dull yellow bows where shoelaces were. They reached up till my knee and looked very country chic. Perfect for Seamus. I borrowed Paddy's dangly, but beautiful horse shoe earrings.
Then, the muggle way because I just can't work with the wand for makeup; I applied a neutral blush that complimented my skin. I added a touch of mascara and brown eye shadow. Lavender suggested the gorgeous beaded Native Indian handbag, which I absolutely love! And sensibly Hermione added that I might require something to keep me warm, while the Broomstick Brothers are blasting out their demented lyrics. I decided on my suede and satin poncho.
"You look great," Hermione complimented. Padma nodded, smiling.
"Perfect-o. Now, I got some serious flying to do." she winked and exited in my Quidditch robes and Nimbus tucked under her arm.
Lavender bobbed her blonde head vigorously. I looked myself down in the mirror (who's comment been: go get 'em girl)
Not bad, I thought to myself. Seamus will have to go for this.
"He'd be crazy not to like you," Lavender said suddenly, reading my mind.
I scrutinized her, raising my eyebrow. "Don't do that, please." I said politely, even though Lavender had invaded my privacy.
Lavender shrugged, smiling. "Go get em', girl."
Slightly wobbly in those killer boots, I careened half-way down to the common room. Seamus was looking very distinguished in a baggy red t-shirt and jeans. I frowned. "Seamus!" I called from the middle of the stairs. Maybe the git would have the decency to help me down. He was already ranking very low in the date apparel category. Seamus turned and gaped at me teetering on the stairs. He smiled slightly. "H-hey, you look dressed up, Parvati."
Then he went right back to talking to Dean Thomas. It was my turn to gape. Honestly, the git didn't deserve Lav!
I traipsed down, seething. I tapped him lightly. Seamus looked impatiently at me.
"What?" he asked.
I crossed my arms. "Here is your ticket," I said tightly.
Seamus nodded. "Thank you," he said, trying to wiggle the ticket out of me. Dean was gazing at us, his eyes bulging. I released my grip and Seamus knocked slightly backwards, but the ticket in hand.
"Alright," I said primly, "our carriage is leaving in 15 minutes."
Seamus nodded, his mouth hanging. Then ignoring him, I turned to Dean. "We're going to a concert in Hogosmeade. Dumbledore gave us permission since it was a WWN concert winning thing…." Dean was rather surprised, but he nodded. "You look…ah…good," he said politely.
I was ecstatic. Ha, Seamus!
"Thank you, Dean," I said loudly.
"I never said you didn't," said Seamus.
It was 6:45. "Come on," I commanded and pulled Seamus to the grand entrance doors.
Dear Diary,
The Date as Quick and Painless as I can make it:
Here is the record of the date…. Please don't laugh.
At approximately 6.50 p.m., Seamus, (reluctantly hanging onto my arm) and I strolled towards our grand blue and gold carriage. I went into a transport of delight examining every nook and cranny. Even Seamus seemed to fancy the plush leather seats. Promptly the horseless carriage took off and we whirled about. I tried clinging onto Seamus, spitefully, just to see how he would react. Surprisingly, he let me. Hmm…he would do okay in the sensitive category, I suppose.
We arrived at a large hall at the outskirts of Hogosmeade. Seamus was considerably excited. "Sorry about everything back at Hogwarts," he said sincerely?
"You really do look nice," he added hastily, when I said nothing.
"I accept your apology," I replied, feeling slightly cheered up.
Maybe this won't be bad at all.
Seamus helped me out of the carriage and I dreamed of his section in the handbook. We were met with a loud cheer as we walked down the empty aisle. I gripped Seamus, now truly frightened.
"What's going on?" he asked panicked, running a hand through his floppy sandy blond hair.
I gazed up at the stage. The three Broomstick Brothers wizards were assembled on stage, their shiny guitars in their position. "Welcome, P-Pair-vitty…? Patil and guest. Come up here," Said the lead Broomstick.
I frowned, more bewildered than ever. The other people at the concert started hollering out Pair-vitty. I froze and realization hit me. "This was the surprise."
Seamus looked murderous. "You didn't tell me—"
I gulped, but made my way to the stage. Seamus didn't follow at first, but the lead Broomstick told him to join me. At least I wouldn't have to do this alone.
"Hi," I forced a smile. All three guys sported matted hair and crooked hats. They also wore baggy red shirts and black pants with navy blue cloaks on top. They were quite cute in a messy kind of way.
Seamus walked up, grinning at the Broomsticks idiotically. "Hi, guys," he squeaked.
The Broomsticks smiled back. "All right, we just want you to act out our song, ok? Real simple actions. Think you can do that? Shattered Dreams, you know that one?"
I nodded mutely. "Sure," I managed. I hated it, but wasn't that…. I couldn't think. Everyone was screaming as the Broomsticks began strumming.
Shattered Dreams
By: Broomsticks
Goodnight, Goodnight,
You can tuck yourself in,
And Sleep like you can't wake up.
Dreams of the long gone…
Shadows of the past…
Tears in you eyes…
Wizard on your mind.
(Seamus and I had to do something)
I pretended to sleep and so did Seamus. How creative, I know. The Broomsticks droned on….
Shattered Dreams
Of the boy you loved,
He says you're just
Friends…
Ooh Ho (4)
(Seamus put my arm around me and I pushed him away.)
Thinking of the days you spent
Snogging by the lakeside,
(I blew Seamus a kiss.)
"That's not snogging!" someone from the audience bellowed.
(How humiliating. Even worse, Seamus tried to kiss me. Not even romantically. He felt like a leech. Belch. I pushed him away forcefully. Thankfully it matched the song.)
That boy,
That boy,
Those eyes, Those eyes,
Must push him away,
Before he comes crawlin' back,
After shatterin' dreams
That boy, That boy
Those dreams
Of a happy, happy
Life,
Tears in your eyes,
Shadows of the past,
Wizard on you mind,
I posed a thinking move)
Peel off your pretty dress
Kick off your high heel shoes,
And go to him….
And go to him…
And go to him…
(Extremely embarrassing experience. Why had I worn a dress? Just for the sake of being a sport, I pretended to peel off my dress. Then I pulled Seamus off the stage.)
"Wow, Parvati," exclaimed Seamus, backstage. I was still disgusted with the snogging bit, so I ignored him. There was a loud applause from the audience. I peered out from behind the curtains and saw that they were standing. Pur-lease…it was nothing. But then again, I couldn't help being flattered.
Slightly red in the cheeks, Seamus and I joined the audience and tried to enjoy the rest of the Broomstick Brother's concert. After hearing their view on Cheesecake, Witty Witch, and obviously broomsticks, I had enough. In the middle of Fallen Forecast, I tugged at Seamus's t-shirt and pointed toward the door. Reluctantly, Seamus shuffled after me.
I took a deep breath. As messed up as the date was, I had to tell Seamus sort of the truth. It was too suffocating to lie and be stuck dab middle in the most boring, screechy concert you've ever been too, at the same time.
"Look, Seamus, I've got to tell you something," I ventured bravely. Seamus gazed at me, his brow furrowed.
"This is not a real date…. Lavender told me to go out with you, to find what kind of person you were before she asked you out. Don't be angry…." I broke down. I'm such a great actress.
Seamus was even more befuddled than ever. "Lavender likes me?" he asked dazedly.
I nodded vigorously. Seamus shot me a dazzling smile and for the first time I saw what Lavender saw in him. Sort of.
Seamus held out his arm, "don't worry, Par. I had fun anyway and I won't tell Lavender a word." I smiled and friends (sort of) for the first time, we jumped aboard our ride home.
It was 9:30 p.m. when I arrived; Seamus hugged (friendly) me goodnight and went straight up to bed. I felt rather special. I wandered over to Padma, who occupied an armchair by the fire. I hurried to greet her. Padma looked defeated. "Never again will I agree to your crazy schemes again," she vowed. I giggled.
"Who let you in? How was it?" I asked.
"I followed your team, of course. Well, I was dodging bludgers half the time, but it was o-okay, I suppose. Tiring, of course and Harry found out."
I froze.
"What?"
"That I wasn't actually you," Padma explained patiently.
"How?" I asked, confounded. No one had ever discovered our little twin switches even once.
Padma shot me a sly smile. "Maybe he really pays attention to your oddities."
I shot my twin a sardonic smile. "Sure, Paddy,"
Padma got up to her feet. "Well, I'm off. Good luck explaining tomorrow." With that she strode of the Gryffindor tower, before I could ask her whether she enjoyed sabotaging her twin's clever plans. I'm sure Padma must have done something stupid, like act brainy. I never act brainy, even though I am a very smart individual. Anyway, will deal with Harry and also Lavender about the Seamus situation tomorrow.
Lots of work ahead of me. Goodnight. (Yawn)
Yours,
Parvati