Ch. 30: The Yule Ball
FRED
As I watched Elle blink hard a few times my heart fell for her. Who would possibly stand this girl up? Leo was a dead man when I get my hands on him! I growled and then my mind shot back to a few hours ago when L had scolded me:
"Look, Fred. I don't need your protection. I'm not your little sister and I am most definitely not your girlfriend. I can handle myself. I've been doing it a lot longer than before I met you."
Her words had stung a little. I could admit that to myself.
I folded my hands and shifted on the couch, peeking at her calm face through the corners of my eyes. She looked worried, though she was trying to hide it. There was a divot between her brows, a wrinkle of worry that exposed how she was really feeling.
Of course, I didn't see her as my little sister. That would be too weird. I would never have this kind of feeling towards Ginny... I could hear George's ridiculing tone in my head now, mocking me. 'I tooold you.'
I liked her, maybe even as much as a girlfriend. A small blush crept through my ears, burning redder with each moment as that thought circulated through my head. Merlin's beard,... I liked Elle. A lot.
I stubbornly shot the idea down. No, I couldn't like her like, well, like that. She was Hermione's twin, after all, a know-it-all, through and through. Me, with a Granger? The thought was a bloody nightmare.
I glanced at her again, taking in her elegantly styled hair, and her downcast warm, dark eyes. She was frowning slightly now. But, once she saw me looking, she forced a smile and laughed lightly, at nothing. She always did that. Ron pondered to me about it once, asking if Americans just laughed for no reason all the time.
The little voice in the back of my mind spoke up, quieter this time: Of course you like her, you git. If you didn't, you would have just gone down to dinner. You wouldn't be feeling so miffed about how sad she is neither.
As the strange idea dawned on me, it weighed heavy on my chest, as the weight of a ton of crashing bricks would feel to a random passerby. This crush could change everything... My mouth ran dry and my ears burned. Godric, I fancied a Granger.
Elle raised her honey eyes up to mine and looked into my eyes, making it seem as if she should see straight in to my soul... at this moment that would be the last thing I would want- what if she didn't feel the same way?
At that moment, I felt drawn to her -- pulled into her orbit like a comet. Elle flushed as she stared into my gaze, her lips parting a tad. Then, like that gravitational yank, I felt myself slowly coming closer to her without the slightest thought. Just a wondering, a curiosity of how her kiss would feel.
JENNA
Biting my lip furiously, I paced back and forth next to the closet Draco was leaning against. "Thanks for this, Draco. I think we are about ready to give him the correct map now."
Draco shrugged callously. "I don't really know why I'm helping you anyway- how do you know Elle is still even in the Common Room waiting? Or that Fred didn't just go down? If I was Elle I'd go down any way." His cold eyes grazed over me and towards the opposite wall with a small sneer.
I shrugged with a grin, using my hands to paint a picture while he watched, pretending to be bored. "Lana told me that Blake made sure Elle was still there, and Fred was waiting for Angelina by the stairs. Lana says she saw Angelina, four minutes ago, walk into the Great Hall with Katie Bell. All the pieces are in place."
Draco smirked and rolled his eyes, stepping away from the closet and producing the real map of Hogwarts Castle from his dresscoat pocket. He wouldn't admit it, but I thought Lana and I's plan had been pretty ingenious! Leo was just like me, after all, and didn't know his way around the Castle. So, I had given him a sort of doctored map. Instead of leading Elle's date to the Gryffindor Tower, it actually was leading him on an intricate, wild goose chase.
By now, the guy would be passing the Kitchen hallway, completely turned around, and exactly where I planned to meet him.
A little behind schedule, but not without reason, a very flustered Leo crossed the path in front of my date and me. I stepped out to greet him with a smile and took the map from Leo. "Leo, what are you doing down here?"
"Vhere am I?" He scratched his head, not knowing what was going on. I couldn't help but feel bad, it was really more Lana's idea than mine to trick him. But, I couldn't back out now. I looked at the map and faked a groan of dismay.
"Oh, no, Leo," I smacked my forehead and shook my head. "This isn't the right map... This is the map to my Potions class. I'm so sorry!"
"Vhat time is it?" He jumped, pulling his sleeve back to look at his wristwatch in shock. "Elizabeth must be distraught; she will think I stood her up."
Leo frowned and groaned with me as I pulled out the true map. "I'm sorry, but it's good we ran into each other. This is the right one."
He cursed under his breath and shook his head. But, he quickly took the map and went on his way. God, he was such a nice guy... I sighed and frowned, feeling terrible. I hope it was worth it.
With a small frown, I tucked a loose curl behind my ear and sighed at Draco Malfoy. With his upturned nose and pompous expression, he looked ... dull. "I think that went over pretty well," I said, watching as Leo rushed down the corridor in a dramatic hurry. Draco slunk over to me and draped a hand around my waist with a smirk.
"How about we head out now?"
I rolled my eyes with a small blush, stepping out of his grasp. "Look, you're cute... but I don't think you're my type." Draco dropped his hand and glared, eyebrows shooting up his forehead. I could see the frustration on his face, but I had to be honest. "I go for the nice, unattainable guys. Sorry, but let's have fun anyway!" I cheered and grabbed his wrist, walking down to the Hall. This was going to be an interesting night.
Hopefully, Fred and Elle had a moment. I didn't want her to think she had been stood up; I would feel bad.
ELLE
An awkward silence hovered in the air between Fred and me after Angelina had left. The fire crackled and popped, and the sounds of rustling fabrics were painfully loud every time I shifted on the couch in my green dress.
Curiously, I looked up and watched as Fred's eyes flickered, deep in thought. His thoughts must have been embarrassing since eventually a small blush burned his ears a dark burgundy, obscured by his long, orange hair. there was a glint of life in his eyes, shining brightly.
'What are you thinking about...?'
I took this moment of silence to give him an appreciating look over. He looked good in a suit, hopefully Hogwarts had more dances in the future because I didn't know the next time I would get a chance to see him like this. Biting my lip, my eyes traced his facial features, assessing his chocolate eyes and the small crease that he'd formed in between his brow whenever he was deep in his head.
His long hair barely scraped his shoulders which I didn't particularly care for, but I never voiced this. His nose was a little crooked and I blushed remembering how I'd broken it on the first day I'd met him. I guess our relationship had been doomed from the start.
'Relationship?!' A small portion of my mind screamed. 'What relationship?' I mocked myself, with an embarrassed blush. 'T-That's not what I-I meant!' The other half of my head yelled back, mortified by my own thoughts. 'Oh? Really...I somehow don't believe you...Maybe it's because we are the same person?' It called back, causing me to shake myself out of the thoughts quickly. What was I doing? Arguing with myself... I was going mad.
But you have to admit it.... you like him. My brain egged me on, wanting me to come to terms with my feelings. Sighing silently, I nodded, yeah I had to admit... there was something about Fred that drew my attention - but he would never feel that way towards me, he probably viewed me as his little sister. I mean Ginny is only one year younger than I...
Feeling Fred's eyes on my face, I looked up to meet his eyes, interlocking our gazes. As soon as I did, I felt as if he and I were thinking about the same exact thing... were we? My mouth popped open with the shocks that our gaze sent through my body. My blush grew ten times redder. When had the air turned so tense?
Slowly, carefully, Fred's eyes moved down to my lips with an almost calculating look in his eyes. While he lent closer towards me, I could feel my pulse quicken in my throat. Was this really happening right now? Did I want it too? What would happen between us if this did happen? Did I even want to know? All these questions raced through my head at once as his lips got closer and closer to mine; he kept his gaze centred on mine and I blushed harder than I ever think I had before.
Quickly, I let out a shaky breath and let go of all the racing thoughts. They didn't matter. It almost felt, well, comfortable. Closing my eyes I leant in closer to him, wanting to close the tantalizing gap as quickly as possible, wanting to feel his lips on mine.
Softly, I felt his bottom lips barely brush against mine, sending zaps across my face and down to my chest. He was so close, I was so close to my first kiss... when someone knocked on the portrait door.
"Elle?! Are you in there still? I'm very sorry I am so late." Leo apologized over and over again, making me suck in a deep breath and shove myself away from Fred in a hurry. What the hell just happened..?! Placing two cool hands on my face to make my blushing stop, I got off the couch with out giving Fred a second look and staggered over to the portrait door, sliding out to Leo with a false smile on my face.
"Leo, I'm fine, really!" I bit back a grimace and frowned and his dishevelled appearance, he looked stressed and his hair seemed as if he'd run his hands through it a few times while pacing. "What happened to you?"
Leo frowned and patted down his hair. "I was on my way up the stairs to the Gryffindor Common Room, but I still don't know the correct vay. Jenna offered me a map, but it took me all over the Castle. Turns out, they were the wrong directions. I'm terribly sorry for the tardiness," He bowed, his fancy robes crumpling a little. "Please forgive me."
"I-It's fine really... L-Let's just get out of here..." I mumbled, seeing Fred get off the couch in the corner of my eye. He brushed himself off and adjusted his tie with a straight face, the crimson on his ears still on display.
Leo nodded a little confused about why I was being so hasty. "Sure, Elizabeth." He smiled and I gave him a pathetic half-smile back... Fred had shaken me, and I didn't know if I would be able to recover from these feelings that racked my body for a while. Leo looked me over and smiled charmingly. "You look quite lovely by the way. Like.. like a warrior princess." He smirked and I stuttered out a shocked chuckle.
"Y-You think so too? I said the same thing." I grinned and almost instantly felt better. For a brief moment, my mind was distracted from the whole Fred situation, even though my mind was definitely still stinging with the memory of the feel of his lips against mine.
I turned towards Fred as if to ask if he was coming too. He just offered a small wave, which was clear: go on without me.
My mind was on a cloud as we came to the grand entrance of The Great Hall. The decorations were beautiful. Thick, shimmering icicles hung from the ceiling and bannisters, the whole world's atmosphere had transformed into a Winter Wonderland, yet they made sure it was nice and toasty inside so no one would catch a cold. The room looked frosted and inviting and it made my heart soar, I was always in love with snow. Plus, Christmas was my favourite holiday too. This night was almost perfect... Almost.
As I gazed upwards and around the room in awe, my mind couldn't help but wander back to Fred. 'Stupid. Stupid...'
He and I both were being stupid. What were we thinking? If we were to kiss everything would change... Would we even be able to be friends after this? He probably was sitting up there right now thinking how glad he was that we hadn't kissed, he was probably shaking his head and laughing, saying: what was I thinking?
My chest stung with every dagger of thought that I flung into my own heart, but I couldn't stop the thoughts. They were true. Fred didn't like me, it was just the moment. It swept the both of us away. I forced the thoughts away as I watched snow start to fall lightly from the ceiling. There was never going to be a Fred and me.
And, that would be okay. I rolled my head towards Leo and decided to let go of the emotions and confusion, even if just for a moment. If I let it, this whole thing would ruin my night.
I'd put too much time into my makeup for that to happen now.
"Elle! You're here," Lana called from across the hall, walking over to where Leo and I were standing, taking in the decorations and all of the students dressed in their elegant robes. Lana leant closer to whisper into my ear, frowning slightly. "You've got a look on your face... everything okay?"
I baulked and took a step back from her, shaking my head. "Ha, I'm fine! It must be the decor, it's really amazing, they worked so hard on it." I quickly changed the subject, my eyes shifting over the entire room as I gestured warmly; Leo nodded along.
"It's beautiful right?" Jenna appeared behind me with a smile. Draco was on her arm with a smug smirk and a stern look in his eyes.
I snorted and rolled my eyes, grabbing a seat next to Lana and Jenna while Oliver, Leo, and Draco took the seats across from us at the small circular table, it was a sight to behold. I made sure to save two seats for Hermione and Krum as far away from Malfoy as they could get.
Many people were now looking at us and whispering: 'Since when did Draco get along so well with them?' And, to be frank, they had a point. We did make an odd group.
It was already almost nine o'clock and the people crowding the room couldn't be even more excited for the dance to start. Dumbledore got up in front of the crowds of students and gave a speech about modesty and preservation. Anyone breaking any of the rules he'd mentioned would serve detention.
Then, it started. The Great Hall doors stretched open slowly while everyone parted to let the Champions pass onto the dance floor with their dates. There were cheers and hollers from the crowd. Some girls pushed themselves closer to the edge of the crowd so they could see their 'favourite' Champion better.
McGonagall had forgotten to mention that we got to watch them make fools of themselves in front of all of Hogwarts. If she'd told us sooner, I would have remembered to bring a camera.
I smiled and waved at Harry and his date... I felt kind of bad that I couldn't remember her name, it had to be Patil or something like that... or maybe that was her last name. Through the gaps the Tri-wizard Champions left I could see Ron standing with his date next to Dean, which meant I couldn't get a better front row seat to his reaction when Krum and his date walked down the isle.
Hermione looked absolutely beautiful as she waltzed down the aisle, everyone's chattering stopped and she began to blush a deep red. "Is that Hermione Granger with Viktor Krum?!" One obnoxious girl squealed, sending people into a fit of whispers and curious looks.
"Woooah! Hermione, you go girl." I cheered and clapped as she and Krum passed by me. Ron's face paled as he watched her blushing and smiling happily on another man's arm. Well, you know what they say, 'you can't miss something you never had.'
The waltz began slowly and everyone gave the dancers a wide area so they could watch in slight amusement. Harry was dancing with the twin whose name I still could not remember, Fleur was dancing with a boy from Durmstrang looking extremely elegant and not to mention snobbish -- but she'll be who she is. As my eyes trailed over to Krum, I watched Hermione twirl and then he dipped her on cue. They were too cute, yet I wasn't sure how long this little romance would last. Krum was way too famous to ever have a long-term fling.
Then, there was Cedric, who was glaring at his feet, dancing with a flustered-looking Cho. She looked beautiful with her straight locks pulled up into an intricate bun and her golden dress, paying homage to her culture.
Harry's eyes trailed over to her and I immediately felt a pang of guilt in my chest... I was the one who told Cedric to ask Cho. And, while I felt bad for urging him to do so, I also didn't feel too bad. Harry would move on, and if it was meant to be, Cho would find her way to Harry.
Besides, I was feeling rather tired of these boys getting upset about not attending the dance with who they wanted, just because they hadn't asked. It was ridiculous, the entitlement.
In the corner of my eye, I watched as Neville bowed and swept Ginny onto the dance floor, gingerly taking her hand and putting his other on her waist. I had to admit, they were an awkward-looking couple, to say the least, and my mind travelled back to what Ginny had said to me earlier: 'I know he doesn't really want to go with me. I was his second choice- but that's okay.'
Who had Neville really wanted to ask? I shook the thought away and just watched them with a small smile as other couples began to take the floor. Draco gave Jenna a small brow as she bowed to him, offering him her hand. He didn't know what he'd gotten into. Lana and Oliver were dancing already, chatting about their favorite things and stuff they liked, I wasn't surprised at how fast they'd became friends.
"Would you like to dance?" Leo smiled at me, holding out his hand to take. Looking around the room for a split second, my eyes caught the moving frame of Angelina as she slung her toned, dark arms around Fred's neck. They smiled and laughed as he attempted a waltz. Behind them, Lee mimicked the movements while Blake and George cackled.
Swallowing, I turned back to him and smiled lightly. "Yes, thank you."
Leo swung me out onto the dance floor and I felt my dress swoop out, making me feel even more like a princess, yet this princess was just an ordinary girl with a stranger as a dance partner -- not the prince. Blushing as I put my hand on Leo's broad shoulder, feeling completely weird dancing in front of everyone, but I wanted to have fun. It was my first Ball, afterall! I should enjoy this.
The night was surprisingly nice despite how awful I'd figured it would be. Drama had barely struck my tiny bubble of friends, but then again- I guess I had spoke too soon. So far I had danced with Leo three times, Oliver once, Lee twice, George for half a song- but he kept making ridiculous comments and I couldn't keep from stepping on his toes, and I'd even danced with Neville who was staring down at his feet the whole time.
I looked around the room as I broke apart from Neville and saw Leo dancing with Fleur so I decided now was a good time to take a rest. My chest was heavy and I could tell that my face was a bright pink because of the exercise I'd been having. I could tell that the elegant bun Lana had put my hair in had become slightly messy, with loose strands falling out like a lot of the girls on the dance floor.
Sighing, I threw my body onto the seat in between Harry and Ron. Their dates were long gone, eventually leaving them for some better entertainers. I don't think Ron had danced once this whole night. "So, you've finally retired?" Harry chuckled and gave me a smile, watching Cho being lifted by Cedric. I felt kind of bad, but I shook it off with a grin.
"Yes," I stretched, exasperated, and looked at Ron's sulking face as he watch Hermione spin into Krum's arms with a giggle and a smile. "You both are having some girl issues, huh?"
"W-What?" They jolted a little, breaking their stares to look at me. Ron forced a grimace onto his face and scowled. "No, I just hate to see her like that," he motioned towards 'Mione. He lowered his voice with a glower and murmured: "She's flirting with the enemy."
"Enemy? To who?" I rolled my eyes. Ron upturned his nose and crossed my arms over my chest, feeling my bullshit meter finally hit its breaking point. Harry slid slightly away from Ron as my anger boiled past my lips. "You perhaps." Ron blinked dumbly as I snapped further: "And, you know I went with Krum's cousin so that offends me too right?"
Ron growled and gave me a frown. "Yeah, a cousin who almost stood you up?" His face suddenly went pale and he quickly looked away as my stomach dropped a little.
"W-What...? How did you--"
Ron shook his head. "I-I guessed, you know."
Anger boiled in my stomach the more I stared at him and the more I stared at him, the redder his face became. "Ronald, you tell me right now!" Ron cringed but didn't say anything. "Did Fred say that? Because it's totally not true." I craned my neck around to look for the tall redhead in the crowd, feeling furious at the rumour. Harry whistled an awkward tune and left the table quickly.
"No," Ron responded quickly, but I wasn't sure I believe him, his face was too red and he was being too evasive.
My heart pounded in my chest with possibilities. Leo had told me he had been been given the wrong map before, but I'd just shrugged it off. Who had given him the wrong directions again?
The more my mind dwelled on it, the more I felt like Fred and George had something to do with the whole thing, trying to prank me. My heart paused a beat. Was Fred trying to prank me?
My mind was sent reeling. "That little prick!" I cursed, a smirk playing on my lips, I didn't know if I was sad or pissed or a little bit amused by this discovery. I knew if Fred was behind Leo disappearing that it was all for good sport, he wouldn't mean anything too damaging behind it.
Ron's face paled as different emotions flashed past my face like a thunderstorm. "Wai-t, what?" He coughed. "Fred had nothing t--"
"-Shush." I held up a hand as my eyes flickered and decided that I was more pissed than anything; how dare he try to kiss me for sport? "Well Ron, you've been most helpful." Angrily, I stood up and got on the dance floor in search of Fred. Ron protested for a moment, but then just shook his head and turned away, slumped in his chair.
I found Fred dancing with Blake, they were twirling and doing dramatic, funny dances during a fast rock song, which surprised me -- I didn't think Hogwarts would play anything like this. But, they had been playing a mix of tunes tonight, from rad Wizard music I'd never heard to some Muggle top 20 hits, probably for us Muggleborns. Clenching my fists I walked over to the two of them and smiled.
"Hey, Blake, how do you like the dance?" I grinned at her and she stopped doing the Charlie Brown to talk with me.
"It's really fun actually!" She cheered and looked around. "But George went somewhere... I think he went for drinks or something like that." As soon as she mentioned George, he appeared holding three cups.
"Hey, Elle!" George greeted me over the loud music. "You look like you were having fun, bet you'll be sore in the morning!" He chuckled handing a drink to Blake and Fred, who still hadn't talked since I'd come over. "You want something to drink?"
"No, thanks. I actually came to talk to Fred." I looked directly at him as he avoided my eyes. The shifty nature of his gaze showed an anxious air. With a clearing of his throat, Fred finally looked up at me with a slight smirk on his face.
"Course, but you'll have to dance with me. Lee and I've got a bet on."
I rose a brow. "Oh? What kind of bet?"
"That I could dance more songs than he could. We each have people watching to count, so far I have 21, Lee has 20."
I chuckled. "Oh, so that's why he insisted on dancing twice in a row with me, huh?" Fred growled and shook his head, muttering something about cheating. My stomach was churning nervously. How was I going to confront him about what had happened a few hours ago and whether he was behind it or not? "Alright, one dance."
Fred grinned, but it didn't reach his eyes. He was probably thinking about earlier as well, maybe he knew I was on to him. Or, maybe, it had to do with something completely different. "Alright, let's do it." I moved my arms so I would be doing a fast-paced dance to the high-tempo music when it suddenly changed to a slow melody.
"Okay you guys! Midnight is soon, so we're gonna wind it down to some soft songs." The band called from the stage. "This one's called 'Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop' and it is very touching so grab someone you love and get on the floor."
I blushed at his words as Fred placed his hand on my hip. Lots of groups started to leave the dance floor, thinning out the number as more couples joined the dance. My stomach churned into a knot as the soft tune kicked up. I worried that I'd end up stomping on Fred's toes, as I'd done with his twin earlier.
Fred and I swayed a little back and forth, neither of us talking for a little while, just listening to the lyrics that were coming out of the speakers:
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
Yes there's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you.
I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down
I want to come too
I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you
No one understands me quite like you do
Through all of the shadowy corners of me
The song was sweet and soft, and it carried through the air like a dream. I wet my lips as I played with a string that jutted out from the left shoulder of Fred's seam, thinking hard on what I wanted to say. It was as if all words had flown from my mind, filtered away like birds to the nightsky. We rocked back and forth, swaying to the tune.
"About earlier, Fred..." I began, not looking directly at him, but across the room at one of the icicles, trying to avoid his gaze. His hands rested on the small of my waist, brushing against silk and bareskin. I faultered and he seized the moment.
Fred looked at his feet and interrupted me. "So, did Leo explain why he was late picking you up?" He sounded a little angry at Leo, which surprised me. "It better've been a good excuse."
I cocked my head to the side, open mouthed for a moment's pause. "W-Well, he said that he'd been given the wrong directions by Jenna. He ran over to the Common Room as soon as he'd gotten the correct ones." I looked at his travelling dark eyes with a small frown. He seemed to be looking at everyone in the room except for the person right in front of him. "Y-You didn't know?"
Fred's brown eyes snapped to mine, curious and confused. "No, I wouldn't do that. That's just cruel," he muttered. His gaze flickered down to our feet, and for a moment I was mildly surprised that I hadn't crushed any of his toes yet.
He loosened his grip on my waist and took a worried step back without breaking our embrace. "Wait, you don't think I was involved, do you?" The weight on my shoulders suddenly lifted and I breathed out, laughing.
"Hah, no I guess you wouldn't do that. But I wonder why it happened in the first place." I mumbled and swayed to the music a little more, now feeling the anger disperse. I'd have to get the details out of Jenna. She had to have some part in the whole thing.
I've seen the waters that make your eyes shine,
Now I'm shining too
Because, oh because, I've fallen quite hard over you
If I didn't know you, I'd rather not know
If I couldn't have you, I'd rather be alone
"Hey, Fred?" I bit my lip and wrapped my arms around his neck lazily. I felt more comfortable around him again, now that I wasn't worrying about nothing. He looked at me custiously but didn't say anything. "Thank you for waiting with me... It means a lot."
The blue lights of the Yule Ball shone brightly from the ceiling, drenching him in a cool tone as he offered a smile and nod. "Anytime, Letter. Anytime." There it was, that damned nickname. I rolled my eyes and laughed softly. The whole world was slowly fading out of my view, I was totally engrossed in everything Fred.
Slowly, I cautiously edged my lips close to Fred and kissed his cheek lightly. "You're a nice guy... under it all."
Shocked, Fred touched his cheek and rose a brow, ears burning even under the blue lights. "Under it all?" He chuckled and rolled his eyes, teasing me. "You missed."
I frowned at his confidence. "What?"
"You missed." His pointed to his lips. "My lips are right here."
Snickering, I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time and leaned in close to his face. Quickly, without any of the fears or thoughts from earlier, I pecked him on the lips. It was a shock to him and even myself.
After the first moment of the initial rush, it dawned on me. That was my first kiss. It was so quick I could barely remember how it felt, but I could feel how badly my lips were tingling. I flushed and dipped my head.
Fred froze up and stared at me as if I'd slapped him, and maybe in a way I did. "Be careful what you ask for?" I blushed and left my head fall so I could glare at my toes. Suddenly, A warm hand was under my chin and lifting my face up to meet Fred's.
"I'm never careful." He replied and kissed me back before I could reply. It was not a quick kiss, but a slowly and careless one. I couldn't help but feel as if I was in some stupid, cliche, teen-movie. But I had to admit that it was the best second kiss I could ever ask for.
His lips were soft and warm on mine and his strong scent of honey and wood filled my nose, the taste of mint on my tongue. Every pull of my lips on his was like a shock to my core, and I loved it. Tightly, I lifted myself onto my tip-toes and wrapped my arms tighter around Fred's neck and he slowly wrapped his arms around my torso, pulling me close.
I was so wrapped up in Fred that the whole student body and teachers disappeared. I didn't notice Lana snapping a picture of us with her damned camera, or Jenna gawking, pointing and cheering. I didn't see Hermione blush at us, or Kaite and Angelina rolling their eyes in sync, and I also didn't notice both Snape and McGonagall scheduling detentions for Fred and I for the next week.
I was too far gone, the only thing that I could pay attention to was the music which say like an ironic poem in my ear.
All of the while, I never knew
I never knew just what it was
About this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while, I never knew
All of the while, all of the while, it was you
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1/15/23 : that was hard to get through. but, i edited it enough were things felt more... probable. rather some very illegal and questionable things, it's more highschool realist.
sending you joy and care, - jess
Here's the playlist, simply screenshot and plug into your Spotify