Why Can't You See?

Chapter Two

My charms test was first thing in the morning, much to my chagrin. But I passed with high marks, thanks to Oliver. After we were kicked out of the library, we went back to the common room, staying up past midnight. It was just like old times.

It was nice. It seemed like nothing had changed in the past five years. But in the back of my mind I knew we'd never go back to the way things were. That girl kept nagging me.

I've been in love with him for years and I knew I'd never be anything more than Little Katie Bell, Gryffindor Chaser. It was then I realised I needed to get over Oliver. It's not like anything's going to happen between us.

I sighed a little as I made my way into the Gryffindor common room. George was in a corner chair with Alicia in his lap, his faced buried in her hair. I let out another sigh at the sight of them, wishing I had someone to cuddle with.

As I headed up to the girl's dorm, Angelina was coming down.

She smiled when she saw me. "Hi, Katie. You haven't seen Oliver, have you?"

My eyes narrowed and I moved past her. He was the last person in the world I wanted to be reminded of. "Check the library. He's probably snogging some Hufflepuff today."

Angelina followed me into my dorm room. "What's wrong, Katie?"

I flopped on to my bed. "Nothing. Except Wood's found something more important than Quidditch: girls."

"How do you know?"

"I saw him kissing some girl when I went to the library to study last night," I explained.

"Oh, Katie." Angelina sat down next to me and stroked my hair.

"So I've decided to get over him."

"Really?" Angelina sounded hopeful. "Because if you are, I have a guy friend in Ravenclaw who absolutely adores you."

Hmm. That sounded promising. "Who is it?"

"His name's Paul Gibson. He's really cute, but don't tell Fred I said that." Angelina jumped off the bed. "Come on. I'll introduce you."
~***~

Angelina dragged me to the Ravenclaw table during dinner.

Paul really was cute. He was little bit taller than Oliver, with dark hair almost black and sparkling blue eyes.

"Hello, Angelina, how are . . . "his nice deep voice trailed off when he saw I was standing behind her. He jumped up and almost tripped on the bench.

Angie laughed loudly while I smothered a smile. "Paul, you know Katie Bell. We have a bit of a dilemma."

Paul's eyes never left my face as he asked, "What's that?"

"The three of us are sneaking into Hogsmeade tomorrow night," she said in a hushed voice.

I tore my eyes away from Paul and glared at her. When did we decide to go into Hogsmeade? Illegally?

She ignored me and continued on. "Alicia and I are bringing Fred and George, and we don't want Katie to feel like a fifth wheel, so we were wondering if you'd come with as her date".

Paul swallowed and looked at me questioningly. "I'd love to, if you'd want to."

So, he did like me. "I'd like that."

Angelina smiled smugly. I hate when she's right. "Good. We'll see you tomorrow."

We went back to our table with a wave to Paul. Oliver was there, sitting between Percy and Fred.

Angelina sat across from Fred, leaving me to sit across from Oliver. "Alicia," Angie said loudly, even though Alicia was right next to her. "Katie ahs a date with Paul this weekend."

My eyes were wide as my head shot up. Oliver frowned at Angie's words and he looked d at me in confusion. He opened his mouth to say something but decided against it.

I looked down at my food and glared. He better not say anything to me. Oliver cleared his throat. "So, um, Katie, how did you do on the charms test?"

I speared some chicken on my fork with more force than I intended. "I did very well. Thanks for you help," I said stiffly.

Oliver nodded, the frown deepening on his lovely features. "It was no big deal."

I didn't like the look on his face at all, I thought as I chewed my food. It was almost as if he was jealous. It was odd; suddenly Oliver cared if I went on a date with a guy? Well, he was a little late, wasn't he?