A Little Thing Called Love

Chapter 4

Catherine woke up quite happy, and spent most of the day with a little smile on her face. She found out from Ron that Hermione had apologized to them the day before, which explained why things were back to normal so quickly.

Back to normal, to her, meant back to her quiet life away from the crowd; but things became slightly different for her in the following days. Harry and Ron had taken a liking to her ever since their last few conversations, and were paying as much attention to her as to Hermione. Cathy was overjoyed--she was part of the group. It wasn't like she was a member; the changes were gradual, but it was obvious that they were now terming each other 'friends' and not 'acquaintances.'

She only hoped she could hide her flaws well enough.

Hermione was quite happy to spend more time with her, both in and out of classes, and the boys were obviously gleeful they had someone who would readily help them in homework--without the usual "you'll never learn if you copy me" from Hermione (although now it was "you'll never learn if you copy her").

Before the next Potions class there was another discussion as to who would pair up with whom, only at a less significant magnitude. Ron was insisting that he needed Hermione's help more than Harry did, even though he got better grades (which was just plain silly, in Cathy's opinion).

"Ron, you don't have a Professor who lowers your grade just because of your father," said Harry, rather irritated. "I mean, the reason you got a bad grade was because you screwed up, not because of some permanent grudge against you." He paused, thinking. "If I didn't know any better," said Harry with a grin, "I'd say you want Hermione as a partner because of the pleasure of her company, if you know what I mean."

Ron turned a little pink, and Hermione looked just a teensy bit bothered.

"Which is why you two should want to pair up with me in the first place," she said drawing herself up taller and glaring slightly.

Both boys hurriedly assured her that was why they wanted to pair up with her in the first place.

So Harry, outsmarted by Hermione and not wanting to set her off, ended up losing his argument. Cathy hoped he might ask her to be his partner, but he chose Seamus Finnigan instead, to her disappointment. She sat alone that class, but wasn't bothered by this at all because Harry kept whispering hilarious things behind Snape's back.

"He really ought to wash his hair, you know," he hissed to her wickedly. Cathy grinned over her parchment.

Seeing this, Harry continued. "And Ron n' I've been thinking... doesn't Snape look suspiciously like he has no clothes on, underneath his robes?"

At this, Cathy almost burst out laughing, but stifled it and covered her mouth. Seamus snorted. Harry looked pleased with himself, but only until Snape noticed.

"What's that, Mr. Potter? You have a joke you want to share with the class?"

Harry quickly lost his smile and shook his head solemnly. Draco snickered along with the rest of the Slytherins.

"Well then," said Snape, in his own dangerous way, "I see nothing to laugh about. Ten points off Gryffindor for selfishness. And be grateful it isn't more," he added as usual.

Harry muttered something in French under his breath. Seamus grinned maliciously.

"I thought it was funny," whispered Catherine in his ear. "But hopefully we'll never find out."

And Harry did ask her to partner with him at the end of the class.

***

That evening, at the Great Hall, Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement. "After the success of last year's Halloween Ball, we have decided to host it again this year. As usual, all years we be allowed to attend and it will be a masquerade. Further details will be posted on your house message board."

Loud cheering, followed by excited voices filling up the Hall, immediately followed this news.

Ron turned excitedly to Hermione. "Will you go to the Ball with me?"

Hermione turned slightly pink, but accepted his offer with a huge smile on her face. Harry, Neville, Parvati and Cathy were laughing at this.

Then, to Catherine's surprise, Harry turned to her and said something she never expected.

"Will you go with me?"