As Anna began to walk outside, she saw Sirius and Chelsea at a table, laughing about something and drinking butterbeer. Vicki and Christopher were walking hand and hand towards the drink table, Vicki still in her tinted spyglasses. Anna looked wistfully around her as she went outside, too. Bridget and Oliver were lying on the grass of the Quidditch field, arms around each other, and chatting happily. Brittany and Charlie were even kissing off and on (when they thought nobody was looking). Anna sat down on the steps. Everyone was with somebody else, feeling loved. Everyone except for her. She closed her eyes, and felt a stray tear run down her face. That one night had been too much. Her family would hate her for getting into trouble with Draco. They were very close to Lucius and would not be pleased with her.
Somebody quietly sat down next to her. Anna didn’t look up. It’s Annie, I know it is.
“Go away, Annie,” she said.
“It’s… not Annie,” said a male voice. Anna quickly wiped away her tears and looked up.
“Harry! I’m sorry, I thought you were-“
“It’s okay,” he said quietly. Anna leaned his head on his shoulder.
“You know, when I first talked to you, Draco was making me do it,” she said, ready to confess everything. “It was all supposed to be a cruel joke on you. But then, I’m sorry if I come off as too upfront, but… I really was wrong. I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I like you. A lot, and…” Anna trailed off.
Harry looked at her. She was immediately lost in his soft green eyes.
“I like you too,” he said. Suddenly, his face was very close to hers, and she was aware that they were inches apart. She put her hand on his and was about to look away when he put his hand under her chin and pulled her face up to his. The kiss was slow, sweet, and romantic. The sea of tears that had been flowing so freely minutes before subsided, and they were lost in the moment (for several moments).
“Ooh,” said Ron, coming over. Anna and Harry broke apart. Ron was grinning, looking like he was about to start laughing. “Didn’t think you had it in you, mate!”
“What?” said Harry. Fred and George stepped out from behind some bushes. “We’ve been listening on extendable ears, watching and waiting for you to kiss her!” The Weasleys all started to laugh. Harry looked embarrassed.
“Well maybe if you asked Hermione she’d give you a good night kiss, since your own love lives are so boring that you have to budge into Harry’s,” Anna said, eyes shining, a malicious grin resembling Malfoy’s on her face.
“Oh! Oh!” said George, and Fred started laughing. Ron looked pink about the ears.
“Maybe I will,” he said, looking flustered. Harry looked incredious.
“You’ve liked her forever. Are you sure you can do this?” Harry asked.
“I have not liked her forever! I’ve never said-“
“Oh Ron it’s been obvious,” put in Fred. Ron turned to him.
“You all… know?” he said weakly. They all nodded. Anna giggled.
“I’ll go find Hermione,” she said, running off towards the Lake.