Chapter 202 - Hogsmeade (2/2)
”Fine, we'll keep at it,” James muttered, before awkwardly saying, ”About the train ride-, er, I didn't mean anything by that! I mean, not that you're not okay for a girl! I mean, -!”
”James!” Rowan said as James blinked as she continued, ”I know it was an accident. And though I never imagined you'd be my first kiss; it is what it is.”
James appears a bit guilty at that remark as he moves his mouth to speak, but Rowan doesn't let him. ”And as for this changing our friendship, it hasn't. I don't like you whatsoever in that manner and I have a distinct feeling that the sentiment is returned.”
James sheepishly smiles and ducks his head. ”Sorry, I mean, yeah, you're right.”
”Good, then please stop awkwardly prancing around me all the time,” Rowan rolled her eyes. ”It's not like you took my maidenly virtue and now have to marry me.”
James chokes as he sees the mirth in Rowan's eyes. ”You've gotten a kick out of it, haven't you?” James said through narrowed eyes as Rowan innocently shrugged.
”Girls,” James grumbled under his breath as Rowan let out a low chuckle in reply.
Before Rowan can say anything else, James bolts up and stares in awe as at the already rising town just below the ridge. The picturesque cottages had smoke trailing from their chimneys as Halloween decorations were out and about the village. Carved pumpkins for the children, hung lanterns in black and orange, and many more other decorations.
Turning to Rowan as though Christmas had come early, James eagerly says, ”Let's go to Honeydukes first and then Zonko's.”
Much to James' surprise, Rowan says, ”That's fine.”
James must have been rather startled by Rowan's easy agreement as he slowly says, ”You're sure about Zonko's?”
”I'm interested in a costume of sorts,” Rowan replied as the carriage steadily rolled down the slope and came to a halt on the side of the road just a bit of a distance away from the town.
James eagerly climbed out, but not before remembering his mostly unused manners and offering his hand for Rowan to take. Feeling in a kind mood, Rowan accepted his offered hand and jumped down. The instant the carriage door closed the carriage made a U-Turn and trotted back up the slope the way it had come. Walking on the frozen dirt road, James says, ”Do you think they're even open at this hour?”
Rowan doesn't even have time to respond as all at the same time the shop doors opened and removed the sign that said closed. ”I think that answers your question,” Rowan drily said as suddenly Hogsmeade residents burst out onto the streets as if about to sing a choreographed musical. ”Well at least there's no singing,” Rowan was clearly heard muttering under her breath.
James stared at her rather strangely. Why by Helga's rear would there be singing?