Closed Before the Dance

[Susie Lagowski]

The Yule ball didn't start for another hour and a half, but there was already a buzz of excitement around the castle. Susie stood outside the Ravenclaw common room, trying not to pick at her nail varnish as she waited for Freddie to come out again. Snoore. Honestly, this time, whatever he was wearing, she was just gonna say she loved it. He was really overthinking this. Declan wasn't gonna care if his socks matched his blazer or whatever.

The door swung open. "Oh. My. Gosh," said Susie, clapping her hands to her face. Someone should give her an award for this. "You look adorable. In like, a really cool way," she added quickly. Adorable was a bad word to use on Freddie. Unless you were actually trying to annoy him. Then it was one of the best. "C'mere. Your hair's gone crazy again."​

 

[Freddie Lagowski]

She was just saying that. Freddie knew it. She was such a bad liar. He should've worn the blue shirt - nearly did, then changed his mind. Oh well. He could change after. Reluctantly, he let her fix his hair. "It needs more spray," he said. It was getting too long - it wouldn't stay where he wanted it any more. "I need a haircut."​

 

[Susie Lagowski]

"Why don't you just wear it down?" Susie asked, wiping her hand on her dress. Sheesh - he had like, a whole can of hairspray in there already. "You better not go near any candles. Okay, you're good."​

 

[Freddie Lagowski]

Freddie shrugged. It didn't look as cool when it was down. And it got in his eyes and tickled his face. And Auntie Thalia liked it. That was three reasons already, and he barely thought about it.

He stood back. Now something didn't feel right. He messed his hair up again with his hand, til it felt better. What? It was supposed to be messy. "Yours is different," he said. She'd put little curly bits in. Suddenly, Freddie grinned. "Did you do it all pretty for your booooyfriend?"​

 

[Susie Lagowski]

Susie smiled sarcastically. Freddie's hair was sticking up again - he looked like he had an antenna - but he could just look dumb this time. "I don't have a boyfriend. I'm going on my own."​