After a thrilling night on the hippogriff, Veronica and her friends decided to go to sleep. They all said good night to each other and went to their different rooms. She was about to walk up the stairs, when she saw someone sitting on a couch by the fire. Veronica froze. She only saw the back of the person's head, which meant whoever this person was, they hadn't seen her yet. She did not know what the punishment was for sneaking out, and she was not too interested in finding it out either. She tip-toed quietly toward the set of stairs, not wanting to disturb (or get caught by) this mysterious person. She was on the first step when she heard, "Freeze!"
Veronica sighed deeply. When she turned around, she saw Cedric standing there, with a book in his hand.
"Hi." she tried to sound nonchalant.
"What are you doing up at this hour?" he asked.
"I was just about to ask you the same question." Veronica responded. It was a trick she learned about when being interrogated; answer the question with another question. That way, it would give more time to think of an excuse.
Cedric laughed and rubbed his chin. "You know, I was told that a girl in Hufflepuff had been sneaking around late at night. She hasn't been caught yet, but I was voted to catch her in the act, and report her."
"Oh." Was all she could say.
"You know nothing about this?"
"No."
"You didn't answer my question, where did you go?" He asked calmly. "I'm sorry, I am just obeying protocol." His eyes softened.
"I went to the bathroom." She stated.
After all that time to think, that was my best answer? Very smooth, Veronica, real smooth. Veronica thought to herself.
Cedric nodded. He gave her a look as if he could see right through her. Then, he looked her up and down.
Veronica thought he was checking her out.
"I don't recall seeing a washroom outside." He pointed to her boots that were still fresh with snow.
"I got lost." She hated lying, especially to Cedric. The way the soft light of the fire shone on his face made him look even more attractive.
"After being here for four months, you got lost? I don't believe it." He gave her a sly smile.
"Well, believe it or not, that's my story."
"Too bad it's fiction." He taunted. "And too bad I'm too tempted to believe you."
Veronica blushed.
Cedric sat back down. "I will not tell, if you sit down with me."
"Alright." Veronica said, and sat down. He was totally crushing on her.
They talked about all sorts of things, but mostly they talked about her beauty, and the love of her friends. They must have been up all night, because when she had finally went to bed, the sun was starting to show through the windows. Veronica enjoyed talking to Cedric. It was her first date at Hogwarts, and it was totally romantic, with the fire and the cozy, relaxing, warm couch.
Although she had an exciting night, her day would be a disaster. Flying lessons were being delayed for a reason that everyone was made unaware of. It was a relief for Veronica, though. She did not have a broom. Well, she did have a broom, but it was an ordinary broom that she had bought at a muggle store. It was the only thing that her secret admirer hadn't given her. But there was a deeper reason for Veronica to dread flying lessons. She did not want anyone to know about her secret. She had not even told her BFFs.
After only two hours of sleep, Veronica was surprisingly well rested. She met up with Ellie, Neon and Lucy.
"I was allowed to go to my classes, as long as I wear this bandage." Lucy pointed to the bandage on her head.
They all gave her a hug. She had been through something extremely tragic.
"I am very excited to go flying today. We have waited long enough." Ellie stated.
"I agree." Neon agreed strongly. "I wonder what the reason is for delaying it so long."
"We can't complain, we were flying last night." Ellie winked.
"Ha ha ahahahaaha hahaa ha a" The girls laughed at their inside joke.
At that time, four older boys walked by and checked the girls out.
Veronica felt like it was the perfect time to tell her friends about Cedric.
"It lasted until the morning?" Lucy said suggestively.
"No! Not like that! We just talked. It was amaaaaazing." Veronica reminisced.
They walked to where the rest of their class was. Everyone was talking amongst one another, but Veronica couldn't help noticing a girl with bland blonde hair glaring at her. It caught her off guard, so she looked away, but when she looked back, this girl was still glaring.
Veronica ignored it. She had too much on her mind to deal with a pouty girl.
"Hello everyone, I am Professor Hooch." Their professor greeted. "First, everyone put your brooms on the ground."
Everyone followed her instructions. This was going to be extremely embarrassing for Veronica.
"Now everyone, say..." Professor Hooch said with spirit. "UP!"
A chorus of "Up" was heard. Veronica did not even think to try, but she noticed that she was the only one not saying anything.
She halfheartedly said "Up" a few times.
After a while, she looked up. She was the only one that did not get her broom up.
Professor Hooch walked over to her. "Now, Vernica is it?"
Veronica nodded. She was embarrassed; everyone was looking at her.
"Your broom is being a bit devious, you have to show it who's boss."
Veronica had to make up a lie. She hated lying, and she had been doing that a lot lately. "My broom does not respond to "up" it can only fly when I am on it."
"Have you flown it, before being taught?"
"No, no I haven't. I was just told."
"Alright, then show us how your broom can fly." She seemed to not believe her. "If your broom cannot respond to a simple command, I highly doubt it can fly. But I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Go ahead." She gestured to the broom.
"Okay," Veronica got on the broom, and slowly lifted herself off the ground. Before she knew it, she was at level with some of the windows on a higher floor. She looked down to see her class oohing and ahing. They all knew that it was a difficult task to go so high up on a broom, especially without being taught. She did a few hundred somersaults in the air, and landed on her feet. By this time, more people had gathered to see this magical spectacle.
"I am flabbergasted! That's rad!" Professor Hooch exclaimed.
The whole audience clapped and cheered. They were even chanting, "Veronica! Veronica! Veronica!"
She was starting to see that her curse was not a curse at all, but a special gift.
"It is a stubborn broom, but it is amazing!" Someone yelled.
Professor Hooch came up to Veronica to examine the broom. "What is this?" Professor Hooch pointed at the barcode that Veronica forgot to take off.
"Umm..." Veronica squirmed.
"Wait, this is an ordinary muggle broom!"
Everyone gasped.
"How were you able to fly?" She inquisited.
"It's dark magic!" Screeched the girl who had earlier glared at Veronica. "She probably used it last night on Cedric Diggory!" She pointed a shaky finger at her.
Everyone gasped.
"That is a dangerous accusation, Halda Magnum!"
Everyone gasped.
"I need to speak with you, Veronica, you need to explain something to me." The professor grabbed her arm. The sea of students parted for them, which made a walk way.
"I told Hufflepuff that you were sneaking out, and Cedric bravely took on the responsibility. He is strong and powerful, how could you defeat him?" Halda Magnum screamed.
Everyone gasped.
When inside, Veronica was told to see Dumbledore, but he was busy tending to a Harry Potter related thing. Veronica had to explain that she had the power to fly, and then was told that she musn't tell anybody about it, because it can result in harmful consequences.