m&mwp.
For the Yearly Events Thread [Character Collection] on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
"I can't believe you came with Ron fucking Weasley," Hannah said with a laugh, standing next to an obviously frustrated Padma. "He's such a prat."
"I can't believe it either." Padma sat down on the stairs, leaning down to rub at her ankles. "Seriously. But Parvati begged me. Why she got the TriWizard Champion, I don't know."
"Between you and me, Harry's also a bit of prat. I don't think he would've been a much better date."
"Still, watching them dance..."
"It's a miracle she's kept her toes," Hannah retorted. "You'd think someone who can outsmart a bloody dragon would be capable of a simple waltz."
Hannah dropped to her knees and, ignoring Padma's raised brow, placed a hand at the heel of Padma's foot and pulled off her shoe in one grand swoop. Without hesitation, she moved to the other and repeated the action.
"Better, right?"
"Much. Thanks." Padma sighed. "I can't believe I got dressed up for this. Such a waste of time."
"Well, I think you look lovely. Definitely not a waste of time."
There was a beat of silence before Padma said, "Oh. Thanks. You too."
"Thanks," echoed Hannah. Getting to her feet, she gave a twirl, her yellow skirts swishing around her. Then she gave an involuntary wince. "My feet do hurt though. Still, so worth it. I think it's fun to dress up."
"Oh?"
"Yeah!" She gave a bright grin. "It's a little more fun when you're not stuck with a terrible date, though."
"Well, who did you come with?" Padma asked, suddenly defensive.
"Myself."
Padma's eyebrows shot up. "Yourself?"
"Myself," Hannah repeated. "And if I do say so myself, I am an excellent date."
"I..." Padma was lost for words. "I'll keep that in mind."
"I hope you do."
And then she was gone, leaving Padma wide-eyed and slack-jawed, staring after her and wondering if she'd misheard or misunderstood...but hoping she hadn't.
