I hastened down the marble staircase, straightening my clothes and fretting with worry that I was late and she would grow impatient. I entered the Great Hall. There were students assembled together, mostly accompanied by friends and deep in conversation. I searched through the people. There! There was Penelope. She stood, looking very pretty with her hair tied into a neat ponytail. Upon noticing me she waved, and I hurried up to her, a broad grin on my face.
"You look nice," I said awkwardly.
"You too," she said, blushing.
"Shall we go?" I suggested. What on earth were we to talk about?
She nodded, and we both proceeded over to Argus Filch, the caretaker, who received us with his customary scowl and rude words. I ignored him though, and started a conversation with Penelope concerning house points. Ravenclaw was in the lead so far, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Slytherin tying behind. Then we moved on to the subject of homework, and by then turned to the decision of where to go. I was glad she did not suggest the Three Broomsticks - I knew Fred, George and their friend Lee Jordan would be there, and I knew they would unceasingly tease. I searched for a cafe but located none except a tiny cramped tea shop, labelled Madam Puddifoot's. I noticed Penelope looking towards the warm, bustling Three Broomsticks, and I knew she was considering going there. Hastily, I said, "let's not stay here in the cold any longer. How about we explore in there?" And I pointed towards the tea shop.
She hesitated.
"I heard from a friend that it's full of people snogging," she said ruefully. I gulped and reddened. She too appeared embarrassed and there was a pause.
Then I said, "not there, then." I coughed and unnecessarily cleared my throat. "Where do you want to go?"
I regretted this the moment I said it. Penelope gesticulated towards the Three Broomsticks and said, "how about in there?"
I couldn't refuse her! I nodded and reluctantly followed her in. To my relief it was crowded. I headed towards the counter and said, "two butterbeers please."
Madam Rosemerta nodded. She pulled out two bottles and I handed her four sickles. She accepted them with a smile and Penelope and I made our way towards a table by the window. We sat down and I nervously uncorked my drink and sipped it. She grinned and drank from her's too. There was a silence. Then Penelope made an attempt at conversation.
"O.W.Ls this year," she said, sighing. "I've heard they're difficult."
"Yes," I agreed. "And can affect your career in later life."
"Studying hard?" She asked.
"Of course. I am taking this very earnestly, of course, like any other person would do." I smiled. "Like you."
She laughed. "I'm not that clever."
"Penelope, you're so modest. And you can't deny it. After all, you are a Ravenclaw."
"You're a Gryffindor. Gryffindor's are brave and noble. I wish I was a Gryffindor. Then I could see you more. And we could be together in the common room, warm by the fire, toasting marshmallows -" Penelope stopped abruptly, blushing furiously.
A little embarrassed too, yet pleased, I could do nothing but gaze at her. Katie Bell with her friend Alicia at a nearby table giggled behind their hands. I scowled at them. This was not romantic! Yet... Was it?