Chapter Five
The students headed to the Great Hall for a sumptuous dinner and the corridors were completely clogged. Ginny and Alexandria jostled through the crowds as they worked their way towards the Gryffindor table.
When they got there, Harry, who had been looking out for a rather prominent flaming redhead, immediately flung his arms in the air, waving frantically. Ginny and Alexandria both spotted the over-enthusiastic boy, but Ginny nudged Alexandria towards a group of fifth-years, the young redhead ignoring Harry completely, but Alexandria saw the dejected look on his face when he noticed Ginny's reaction to him. Ginny and Alexandria seated themselves at the table and were both immersed in deep conversation with their fellow students.
Harry, on the other hand, somehow couldn't take his eyes off Ginny. Since about three months ago, Harry had definitely developed feelings for the fiery girl, feelings that were more intimate than just friends. "Hey, Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asked. But Harry didn't even take notice of Ron's words, neither did he take notice of the students constantly jabbing him in the back as they walked past him. He was too depressed.
Finally. after the students settled down, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stood up and peered at the hall of students through his half-moon spectacles. His blue eyes twinkled with an intense excitement and mystery. Clearing his throat rather prominently, he clinked his gold fork against his crystal glass, the clear and loud sound resounding through the spacious hall. Students ceased their talking and turned to stare at their beloved and well-respected headmaster.
"Students! Students! I have news for you!" his raspy voice rang out through the hall as a slight smile played at the corners of his mouth. "I'm sure you have all heard of the contest, courtesy of Miss Weasley and the editing team of the Hogwarts Herald, and now it's time not announce the nominees, and the judges!"
The fragile figure outstretched a wrinkled hand towards Professor McGonagall, who handed him a deep red envelope. Ginny watched his every move excitedly. She couldn't wait to see the student's reactions! Dumbledore peered up and opened the envelope delicately with his well-worn fingers.
"The nominees are," it was here that he paused for a dramatic effect, and the whole hall was so silent, you could probably hear a pin drop on the smooth marbled floor, "From Hufflepuff, Mr Justin Finch-Fletchley and Miss Lisa Hanson!"
Cheers and gasps of excitement emitted from the Hufflepuff table as Justin grinned from ear to ear as Lisa tried extremely hard not to shriek.
"And from Ravenclaw, Mr Landon McBrian and Miss Veronica Sullivan!" Ravenclaw had exactly the same reaction as Hufflepuff and Landon punched his fist in the air and gave Veronica a high – five across the table.
"And from Slytherin, Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Pansy Parkinson!" But this time, there weren't any cheers or gasps. The results had been expected and Draco threw his head back, flashing his trademark smirk and Pansy tossed her jet-black hair flirtatiously, saying "I knew I'd be chosen!" And the Gryffindors had to force themselves not to throw up at this.
"And last but not least, from Gryffindor, Mr Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger!" The reaction from the Gryffindors couldn't be any more different from the Slytherins. Loud whoops and yells of encouragement from each student of the Gryffindor table bellowed loudly as Hermione turned a deep shade of red. Harry, however, plastered on a fake smile and pretended to be pleased that he had been chosen, but still he was puzzled about Ginny's cold reaction towards him.
"The judges of this contest will be Virginia Louise Weasley, Miss Susan Bones and Miss Lavender Brown." everyone applauded politely at this, "and with that being said, let the feast begin!"
Immediately, the talking resumed and the wise old man lowered his thin frame back down into his chair with an audible sigh. Harry watched his actions carefully, and the young wizard knew his age was catching up to him. Harry shook his head and reassured himself that the headmaster that had always been there for him would be alright. Then, a short jab from Ron in the ribs brought him crashing violently back to reality.
"Huh? What was that for!" Harry asked the freckled redhead impatiently, a scowl on his face.
"Err, I just said that he really does make a big deal out of the meals, doesn't he?" Ron repeated uncertainly, still shocked from his usually patient best friend. Harry relaxed his tense shoulders and rubbed his forehead with a sweaty palm.
"Sorry, that was kinda harsh, I didn't mean it," Harry started apologizing softly. Ron placed a hand on his arm and shook his head. The two friends continued their meal in an uncomfortable silence, Harry throwing frequent glances over the where Ginny sat. And over at the Slytherin Table, a blonde boy barely ever took his eyes off Ginny for the whole of dinner.
A/N: wanna know why? REVIEW! i doubt ill be writing another chappie unless more people review! please! oh yea, i changed the one on blaise already, but im still sticking with virginia louise weasley!