*Sofia's view

I enjoyed the card game with Pansy, we laughed and smiled a lot. But one thing bothered me. When she called me darling my stomach tumbled and my heart started fly to the sky in happiness. Then she said it was just a slip-up. That sentence haunted me like a terrible nightmare.

I shake my head and turn away from the bathroom. She went there thirteen minutes and thirty-three second ago. And here I am, standing in front of the door, like a dog, unable to stop thinking about her.

As I retreat to our room, the echoing laughter of Elara greets me. I sink into my bed, trying to focus on the ceiling, but my thoughts keep drifting back to her. What did she mean by darling? Was it just a joke, or did she mean something more?

Lost in my thoughts, I do not notice Elara approaching until she sits down opposite me. Her dark eyes study me intently, and I realize she is waiting for explanation that I am not ready to give. – You okay, Sofia? – she asks, her voice laced with concern.

I force a smile, hope it looks more convincing than it feels. – Fine, only tired – I mutter, avoiding her gaze.

The truth is, I am anything but fine. Pansy's words have unsettled me in ways I cannot explain. I wish it were true. But the sad thing is, they are not.

Just as Elara opens her mouth to say something else, the door swings open, and Pansy breezes in. Her presence fills the room, and my heart skips a beat. I scramble to my feet, clutching at the excuse I desperately need.

- I... I need to go shower - I stammer, my voice betraying my nerves.

Elara looks between us, sensing the tension, but she nods understandingly. – Sure, take your time – she says softly.

I rush past Pansy without meeting her eyes, feeling her gaze on my back as I flee to the bathroom. Once inside, I lean against the cool tiles, trying to steady my racing thoughts. In my mind, memories flashed of moments we shared, laughing, talking for hours on end.

I stood under the shower, the sharp jets of hot water stinging my skin. As I stood there, I couldn't help but think how good it would be if Pansy were here with me in this shower.

Finishing my shower, I faced reality. I dried off, dressed, and as I stepped out of the bathroom, a sudden chill filled the air around me. I buried my feelings deep inside, as if they had never existed. Pansy is my best friend, and nothing can change that. I can't afford to want anything more, for fear of losing her. So, I smiled as I walked out of the bathroom, while inside, my heart ached painfully.

- Okay girlies, now it's my turn – Elara said with a cheerfully. But we didn't smile, so she headed to the bathroom without another word.

The uncomfortable silence enveloped us like a heavy blanket. We sat staring at the wall, neither of us speaking. After a few minutes Pansy broke the silence. – I am so sorry, Sofia. I didn't want to hurt you by saying that – she said softly.

- You didn't hurt me – I replied, my voice trembling.

- And I never will, I promise – Pansy smiled gently. – Come here.

- Why?

- Just come here.

- Okay – I agreed reluctantly and go to her bed.

She grab me by my waist, and starts tickling. At first, I was completely froze, unable to move. But the warm of her body, her embrace pulls me back to the reality. I began to tickling her back, and soon we are both laughing hysterically on the bed until we tumbled off. Every part of my body ache, but I don't mind it. In this moment, all that matter was Pansy and her infectious laughter, washing away the negativity.

After our laughter subsided, we lay on the floor, catching our breath. Pansy glanced at me with a playful grin. - You needed that - she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I nodded, still smiling. – Thank you.

- Anytime – she replied, her eyes reflecting sincerity. – Now I have something very important to announce.

- What?

- I won in the tickling fight – she said with a little laugh.

- No, I protesting. You are definitely wrong, and it's not true. Because I am the winner, and this is an irreversible fa… - before I could finish the sentence she jumps at me, and starts again to tickle me.

I don't know how much time passed, but suddenly someone cleared there throat. We glanced in horror in the direction of the sound. – You two – Elara said as she pointed at us. – get a room, now – she tried to have a poker face, but burst out laughing instead.

After Elara's laughter finally stopped, the three of us decided to go to the Great Hall for dinner. As we walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, the earlier tension between Pansy and me slowly dissipated, and replaced by our usual easy banter and jokes.

When we reached the Great Hall, we took our seats at the Slytherin table, where Draco and Blaise joined us. Elara continued to tease us, making us laugh even more. The evening was filled with light-hearted conversations and the comfort of friendship. Allowing me to forget, at least for a while, the complexities of my feelings for Pansy.

- Hello – Theo greeted as with a big smiled. - So, what's the plan for Friday night? – he asked, looking between us with a mischievous grin. He is clearly up to something.

- We will go to the party, of course – said the arriving Astoria, and then sat down beside us.

Draco slipped his hand around her waist and kissed her. – What do you have in mind, Theo?

Theo's grin widened. – Before I came back to school this year, I managed to sneak some fireworks into my bags. And since Emily's birthday will be on Friday, I thought we could set them off during the party. But I will need your help for that.

We all exchanged glances, excitement building up. – We are in – I said, and the others nodded in agreement.

- But what we will have to do? – Astoria asked.

- You should go to the party with Emily to keep her busy, while Draco, Blaise and I set up the fireworks. I will message you when we are done.

- Okay, and how Emily will go there, without knowing about the plan?

- Tell her something that will distract her. For example that, I am sick and fainted.

I raise my eyebrows reproachfully. – You want to gave her a massive heart attack or a birthday present?

- Then say that in the Astronomy Tower there is a hamster. It's her favourite animal.

- And you really think, that she will believe it? – Pansy asks, doubting Theo's idea.

- Then be creative. So we will do it on Friday?

- Yes – answers everyone at the same time.

- What do you do on Friday? – we are utterly terrified hearing Emily's voice.

- Ohh, nothing special. We are just talking about the party – Theo replied smoothly.

Emily narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious. - You all look like you're up to something.

I quickly jumped in to change the subject. - Have you decided what you're going to wear, Emily?

Suspicion is still felt in the air, but Emily's eyes lit up at the mention of her outfit. - Oh, I have the perfect dress! It's emerald green, and it matches my eyes perfectly. I can't wait to show it to you all!

The tension eased as we chatted about the upcoming party and Emily's birthday plans. We managed to divert her attention long enough for Theo to give us a reassuring nod, signalling that our secret was safe for now.