I turned the page and eagerly scanned the next paragraph. I had naturally deeply immersed myself in the book before me, A Complete History of Transfiguration, Conjuration, Vanishment, & Untransfiguration, in my opinion a positively thrilling volume containing an excellent amount of all the necessary knowledge everyone longs to know. The library is ever so helpful sometimes. I was so buried in the publication and barely noticed at first when someone tapped me on the shoulder. However, after receiving another gentle touch I looked up, and found myself looking into the eyes of Penelope Clearwater, smiling congenially and brushing stray curls from her face. I grinned delightedly, and suddenly the book before me was nothing, nothing at all to a confrontation by Penelope.
"Hello Percy," she said warmly, slipping into a seat beside me. "Busy? I don't want to disturb you."
"Disturb me? Not at all," I replied, slamming the book shut. "That old history - dull as. You provide a perfect excuse to ignore my Transfiguration study."
She was impressed with my indifference. I was usually obsessed with homework. Surprised, she asked, "Had a change of heart?"
I shrugged. "Dunno," I replied.
"I assume you know about the Hogsmeade visit later this afternoon," Penelope continued. She blushed a little.
I had not been intending to go. I had been so determined to finish this long Transfiguration essay - but no, what mattered more than Penelope? Penelope seemed rather awkward, and she said hastily, "If you weren't going that's fine -"
"What -? No! Of course I'm going!" I said hurriedly. "I meant to."
"Oh, well that's coincidental," Penelope said. "I know you haven't been going lately but when I am you are."
I understood the hint. But could I pluck up the courage? I swallowed, twisting my fingers together under the table. Penelope reddened. I decided it was now or never.
"Penelope," I said, struggling for breath. "Do you want to - could you - of course you don't have to -"
"Yes, Percy?" She prompted eagerly.
"Do you want to -" I gulped. "Go to Hogsmeade with me?" My words came out quickly, muffled with my uncertainty and awkwardness, and clouded with worry that she would refuse, but my fears were rebuffed instantly as she nodded immediately.
"Oh, yes, yes please!" She said, nodding exuberantly.
"That's good," I said heartily. "I'll meet you in the Great Hall later then."
She nodded, pushed back her chair and stood up. "I'll be seeing you soon, then," she said.
"Yeah, bye..." I waved, ignoring Madam Pince's stern, disapproving look she shot at me, filled with an enthusiastic triumph. I had asked Penelope out!