For August Bingo on the Ministry of Magic Discord.


When Katie heard the faint sound of whimpering, she couldn't help but investigate. Cocking her head, she listened carefully. Then, after a moment of consideration, she made her way towards a hidden alcove where she found Eloise Midgen, sitting on the floor with her head in her arms. Her whole body shook as she sobbed.

"Eloise?" Katie asked, eyes wide open with concern. "What's wrong?"

Eloise gave no response.

"All right then. I'll guess." Katie leaned against the stone wall. "Let me see. What could a girl possibly be crying about? Mm...I don't suppose it could be something to do with an upcoming dance?"

She had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when Eloise broke down in a fresh flood of tears.

"No one's asked me," Eloise blubbered. "I didn't think it was a big deal—I thought I'd just go with the other girls—but then…then…"

Katie looked expectantly at the girl in front of her. "Then what?"

"Then I heard Ron saying no one would ask me because of m-my…" She trailed off, heaving with tears. "Because of my acne! And my nose."

"Ron's an idiot." Katie shrugged. "Most boys are, to be honest."

"But he's not wrong," Eloise wailed. "I'm hideous. No one will ever want to date me. Or marry me. I don't even think anyone's ever going to want to kiss me. If someone as repulsive as Ron bloody Weasley—"

"Eloise."

"—would rather die than take me to dance, how am I supposed to find anyone? God, I'm going to be one of those middle-aged women who've never been kissed, aren't I?"

Then, with more force, "Eloise. Would you just stop for a moment?"

"What?"

"Just stand still."

And before Eloise could question her, Katie lurched forward, capturing Eloise's lips with her own. And then, without any hesitation, Katie began to move her lips. After a moment, Eloise returned the favour. When the two finally broke apart, a smile was gracing Eloise's tear-stained face.

"And now you don't have to worry about never being kissed."

Eloise blinked. "No. I guess I don't."

"Brilliant. No more crying in alcoves then, all right? Promise?"

"Yeah. Promise."