𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒗

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔' 𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒎

january 18, 2025

12:45 pm

today was saturday. the day of my date with wesley. and honestly? i was really excited. butterflies fluttered in my stomach every time i thought about it. i didn't know much about our plans, only that we were going to hogsmeade, but that was enough to make my heart race.

hayley, hannah, and susan were already in my dorm, helping me get ready, offering outfit suggestions and styling my hair while we giggled about what might happen. pansy and daphne were supposed to arrive later to join in, which only added to the anticipation. it felt like a whole event, and i loved every second of it.

a part of me was nervous-what if things were awkward? what if i said something embarrassing? but another part of me couldn't stop smiling. because today wasn't just any saturday. it was the day of my first real date with wesley.

as hayley curled a strand of my hair, susan rummaged through my wardrobe, pulling out different outfit options and holding them up for the others to judge.

"too casual," hannah said, shaking her head at the first dress.

"too formal," hayley added when susan held up another.

"this one's perfect," susan finally declared, holding up a cute but effortless outfit that made my stomach flip. it was simple, but just right for a date in hogsmeade.

"wesley won't know what hit him," hayley teased, making the other girls giggle. i felt my cheeks heat up, but i couldn't help smiling.

just then, pansy and daphne walked in, already talking excitedly.

"alright, what's the progress?" daphne asked, scanning the room.

"we've got an outfit," susan said proudly.

"perfect. now let's do something about her makeup," pansy smirked, already pulling out a small bag of cosmetics from her robe pocket.

i laughed, shaking my head. "you guys are making this a bigger deal than it is."

"because it is a big deal!" hannah insisted. "you're going on a date with wesley foster. our job is to make sure you look stunning."

i rolled my eyes playfully but let them work their magic. deep down, i loved that they were just as excited as i was.

as they chatted and helped me get ready, my nerves started to mix with anticipation. what would happen today? would it be the perfect date, or would i make a fool of myself?

one thing was certain-by the end of the day, everything between wesley and me would change.

after what felt like a lifetime of waiting, everything finally fell into place. my outfit, makeup, and hair were all exactly how i envisioned. i couldn't help but admire myself in the mirror for a moment. the look felt effortless, but in reality, it was a perfect balance of comfort, style, and just the right amount of boldness.

susan had chosen the outfit for me, and i couldn't have asked for a better pick. the classic white t-shirt, simple yet timeless, served as the foundation, while the deep red chunky knit cardigan draped over my shoulders like a warm hug, adding that rich pop of color that was impossible to ignore. the buttons down the front added an understated elegance to it, almost like a subtle invitation to admire the details.

then there was the black mini skirt. it was the perfect contrast to the oversized cardigan, creating a sleek, polished look that made me feel confident, like i was ready to conquer whatever the day threw my way. my black knee-high boots with their block heels added that extra level of sophistication, but there was an edge to them too-something that made the whole ensemble feel a bit daring, like i had a secret power hidden within me.

for accessories, everything seemed to just fall into place. the burgundy leather shoulder bag pulled the whole outfit together, adding depth and a touch of luxury. the silver chunky hoop earrings caught the light just right, a simple yet modern detail that grounded the whole look. my tortoiseshell glasses and matching phone case brought in a vintage-inspired touch that felt just right, like a nod to something classic and effortlessly chic. and the finishing touch-a tortoiseshell claw clip, holding my hair back with ease, giving it a natural, almost carefree look, yet perfectly styled.

i couldn't help but smile as i caught a glimpse of myself one last time before leaving. this outfit wasn't just clothes on my body; it was an expression of who i was at that very moment. and it felt good. really good.

as we started making our way down, i could already see wesley waiting for me. in that moment, i felt like i was in a movie-the kind where the girl descends the stairs at prom, and everything slows down just for her. the way the light hit me just right made me feel like i was walking through a scene that was meant for the big screen. it was one of those rare, perfect moments where everything aligned, and for a second, it felt like i was the only one in the room.

"wow," wesley says, his voice full of genuine surprise and admiration. his eyes meet mine, and i can feel a blush creeping up my neck. i try to stay composed, but there's no denying the flutter in my chest.

"close your mouth, don't let any flies in," zach teases, laughing loud enough for everyone to hear. i can't help but roll my eyes, but there's a warmth in my chest from the easygoing energy between us. justin quickly smacks him on the arm, silencing him, but i can see the smirk on his face.

there's something about the way wesley looks at me, like he sees me in a way that no one else does. it's not just the clothes or the makeup-it's like he's seeing me for who i am, and in that moment, i feel invincible. the teasing and laughter from the guys only add to the excitement, making my heart race with a mix of confidence and happiness.

it's funny how something as simple as a moment like this can make everything feel a little more magical. i couldn't help but smile, knowing that tonight, for whatever reason, everything felt just right. everything was falling into place, and i couldn't wait to see what the night would bring.

"you look beautiful," wesley says, his voice warm as he pulls me into a hug. the closeness of it sends a rush of warmth through me, and for a moment, i close my eyes, feeling the comfort of his embrace. it's one of those moments where everything feels a little more real, a little more perfect.

"haha, thanks, you don't look so bad yourself," i reply with a grin, my voice light and teasing. i can't help but feel a little giddy, the fluttering in my chest still there as i pull back slightly to look at him.

"okay, hands where i can see them," hannah says, her voice playful but firm, like a protective older sibling. i laugh at her playful seriousness, and wesley, ever the good sport, raises his hands above his head in mock surrender.

"have fun, you two," hayley calls out, her voice filled with excitement as the others wave their goodbyes. i smile at her, feeling the warmth of their support, but there's a different energy between me and wesley now-a kind of quiet understanding that this night is going to be something special.

as we make our way toward the door, i feel a sense of anticipation building in my chest. the laughter and teasing from our friends echoing in the background only make the moment feel more surreal. i glance over at wesley, the smile on his face matching mine, and for the first time in a while, i can't help but feel like everything is falling into place. tonight feels different-like it's the beginning of something new.

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

𝒉𝒐𝒈𝒔𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆

2:00 pm

hogsmeade was buzzing with life, filled with students wrapped in scarves and coats, their laughter blending with the crisp winter air. some were on dates, leaning in close over mugs of butterbeer, while others wandered in groups, just happy to be out of the castle for the day. wesley and i kept walking, our hands almost touching, the space between us charged with something unspoken.

"so, what's the plan?" i asked, glancing at him.

"that's a secret," he said with a grin.

i couldn't help myself. "that's a secret i'll never tell. xoxo, gossip girl."

i laughed at my own joke, but when i looked up, wesley was staring at me with an amused yet utterly confused expression. a second later, he burst into laughter, shaking his head.

i felt my cheeks warm. "sorry, that was probably weird."

"no," he said quickly, his voice softer now. "i like that."

and then, before i could overthink it, before i could even process the moment, he took my hand.

his grip was warm despite the cold, steady yet careful, like he wasn't sure if i'd pull away. but i didn't. instead, i let myself sink into the quiet thrill of it-the way our fingers fit together, the way my heart pounded just a little harder than before.

maybe i should have said something clever. maybe i should have made another joke. but all i could do was smile, hoping he couldn't feel just how much that simple touch had unraveled me.

wesley led me through the cobbled streets of hogsmeade, his hand still wrapped around mine like it had always belonged there. the cold air bit at my cheeks, but i barely noticed. all i could focus on was the warmth of his palm, the way his thumb occasionally brushed against my skin.

"so, are you going to tell me where we're going now?" i asked, glancing up at him.

he smirked. "patience, diggory. you'll like it, i promise."

i rolled my eyes but let him guide me anyway, a small part of me enjoying the mystery. after a few turns, we stopped in front of a small shop with a wooden sign swinging above the door. tomes & scrolls.

my heart skipped a beat.

"you brought me to the bookstore?" i asked, barely able to contain my smile.

wesley grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "yeah. figured you might like it. you always have a book in your bag, so..."

he trailed off like he wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but i squeezed his hand reassuringly before letting go to push the door open.

the scent of parchment and ink immediately surrounded me, familiar and comforting. rows of shelves stretched across the room, filled with books of every shape and size. the soft crackling of a fireplace echoed in the quiet, and a few students wandered between the aisles, lost in their own worlds.

"this is perfect," i said, turning back to him. "how did you know?"

wesley shrugged, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "i pay attention."

those three words made my stomach flip. it was such a simple thing, but the thought that he noticed-that he cared enough to bring me somewhere he knew i'd love-made my chest feel impossibly full.

"come on," he said, nudging me toward the shelves. "show me what you like."

i didn't need to be told twice. i pulled him along, excitement bubbling in my veins as i ran my fingers along the spines of books. some were old and worn, their covers softened from years of use, while others were crisp and new.

"what about this one?" wesley asked, picking up a book with a dark green cover.

i glanced at it and smiled. "it's a classic. i read it last year."

"oh? so you're saying i have good taste?" he teased.

"debatable," i said, grabbing another book and handing it to him. "but if you really want to impress me, read this one."

he took it, scanning the title before nodding. "alright. but only if you let me pick one for you too."

i raised an eyebrow. "deal."

as we continued browsing, i realized something-this was probably the best date i'd ever been on.

we spent what felt like hours in tomes & scrolls, wandering between the shelves, flipping through pages, and making fun of ridiculous book titles we came across. the fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a golden glow over the worn wooden floors, and for the first time in a while, i felt completely at ease.

wesley had an amused but focused expression as he scanned the shelves, clearly taking his book selection for me very seriously. i watched him out of the corner of my eye, biting back a smile. it was strange, how easy this felt-how effortlessly we had fallen into a rhythm, like we had been doing this forever.

"okay," he finally said, pulling a book from the shelf. he turned to me, holding it up like he had just made a groundbreaking discovery. "this is the one."

i took it from his hands, examining the title. it was a book on magical folklore and forgotten legends, filled with stories about ancient spells, lost wizards, and mysterious creatures.

i looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "interesting choice."

wesley grinned. "figured you might like something a little different. plus, maybe you'll learn something new. impress me with random facts later."

i laughed, shaking my head. "we'll see."

after a while, we made our way to the counter, where an elderly wizard with half-moon spectacles rang up our books. wesley insisted on buying mine, despite my protests.

"consider it a thank-you for letting me take you out," he said, handing over the galleons before i could argue further.

i narrowed my eyes at him but couldn't stop the warmth spreading in my chest. "fine. but next time, it's my turn."

his eyes sparkled with amusement. "next time, huh?"

i realized what i had said a second too late, but instead of backtracking, i just shrugged. "guess we'll see if you deserve it."

wesley smirked. "challenge accepted."

as we stepped out of the bookstore, the sky had shifted to a soft lavender, the last traces of daylight slipping away behind the snow-covered rooftops. the air was colder now, but i barely noticed-because when wesley reached for my hand again, i let him.

and this time, i held on just a little tighter.

as we walked down the cobbled streets of hogsmeade, the sky deepened into a dusky purple, lanterns flickering to life along the shopfronts. students wandered past us, bundled up in scarves, some with butterbeer in hand, others with shopping bags filled with trinkets and treats. the scent of caramel and chocolate lingered in the air, making my stomach rumble.

wesley must have heard it because he turned to me with a knowing smirk. "hungry?"

i sighed dramatically. "starving. i think i need something sweet before i pass out."

he chuckled. "well, we can't have that. come on."

before i could respond, he was already leading me down the street, his hand still wrapped around mine like it was second nature. a minute later, we stopped in front of honeydukes, the warm glow from inside spilling onto the snow-dusted sidewalk.

"good choice," i said, glancing up at him.

"obviously," he said, holding the door open for me.

the moment we stepped inside, i was hit with the sugary scent of chocolate, toffee, and fresh fudge. the shop was packed with students browsing the shelves, their arms filled with colorful sweets. jars of candy lined the walls, each filled with something tempting-acid pops, fizzing whizzbees, exploding bonbons.

"alright, diggory," wesley said, eyeing the displays. "what's your go-to?"

i didn't even hesitate. "chocolate frogs. classic."

he snorted. "predictable."

i gasped in mock offense. "excuse me?"

"c'mon, live a little," he teased, grabbing a box of sugar quills. "what about these? you could snack on them in class and pretend you're taking notes."

i laughed. "tempting, but i think i'll stick with my frogs." still, i grabbed a few other things-some cauldron cakes, a pack of sherbet lemons, and a bag of fizzing whizzbees. wesley, meanwhile, was tossing random things into his basket with no real strategy.

"are you just picking up anything that looks interesting?" i asked, watching him add a licorice wand on top of his already ridiculous selection.

"obviously," he said, mimicking my earlier tone.

i rolled my eyes, but my chest ached from how much i was smiling.

when we finally made it to the counter, wesley once again insisted on paying, despite my half-hearted protests. "consider it an investment," he said.

"in what?"

"your happiness, obviously."

i froze for half a second, caught off guard by the casual way he said it. but wesley just grinned like he hadn't just sent my heart into a full sprint.

as we stepped outside, bags of sweets in hand, i nudged him with my shoulder. "you're not as smooth as you think you are."

"mm, sure." he popped a sugar quill into his mouth and smirked around it. "but you're still here, aren't you?"

i hated that he had a point.

but instead of admitting it, i just grabbed a chocolate frog from my bag and bit into it, pretending not to notice the way his fingers brushed against mine when he reached for his own.

after leaving honeydukes, wesley and i wandered through the streets of hogsmeade, our bags filled with sweets, our hands brushing against each other with every step. the cold air nipped at my cheeks, but i hardly noticed-being with him made everything feel warmer.

"alright," wesley said, glancing down at me. "we've got books, we've got sweets... what's missing?"

i thought for a moment before the answer hit me. "butterbeer."

his grin widened. "exactly. let's go."

he led the way toward the three broomsticks, the pub glowing with golden light, laughter and chatter spilling out into the night air. the second we stepped inside, the warmth hit me, along with the rich, comforting scent of butterbeer. the place was packed with students and a few professors, everyone taking refuge from the cold.

wesley guided me toward the bar, his hand resting lightly on my back. "two butterbeers, please," he told madam rosmerta, sliding a couple of sickles across the counter.

i didn't argue this time. i just smiled, taking the warm mug when she handed it to me. "cheers?" i said, lifting it slightly.

"cheers," wesley echoed, clinking his mug against mine before taking a sip.

the first taste was heaven-warm, frothy, with just the right amount of sweetness. i sighed happily. "nothing beats this."

"agreed," wesley said.

for a moment, it was just us, the rest of the pub fading into a comfortable blur. but then i noticed something-out of the corner of my eye, movement near one of the booths. i turned my head slightly, and that's when i saw them.

hayley. hannah. susan. pansy. daphne. justin. ernie. zach. draco.

my friends.

huddled in a booth, not-so-discreetly watching us over their butterbeers. the second my eyes landed on them, they all froze, then quickly tried to act casual-juni pretending to check her nails, daphne suddenly very interested in stirring her drink, hayley giving me an exaggerated thumbs-up like that wasn't completely obvious.

oh. my. god.

i turned back to wesley, my face burning. "we're being watched."

he raised an eyebrow. "huh?"

i tilted my head slightly toward the booth, and he followed my gaze. the second he spotted them, his lips twitched in amusement. "wow," he said. "that's... subtle."

"i'm going to kill them," i muttered, covering my face with my hands.

wesley laughed, clearly enjoying this way too much. "should we give them a show?"

i peeked at him through my fingers. "wesley."

"what?" he said innocently. "if they're gonna spy, we might as well make it worth their time."

before i could respond, he reached over, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering just a little longer than necessary.

i swore i heard a