Part III: Ashley and Michael -- First Hogsmeade Trip (DONE)

Ashley led Michael to the Shrieking Shack. "Ever snuck inside?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

Michael tilted his head and said, "afraid I haven't." He then offered her a piece of chocolate from the palm of his hand, one piece of white-chocolate and the other piece a dark-chocolate, as they gazed at the building. He gave her hand a nice gentle squeeze.

"Thanks," Ashley said as she took the two pieces of chocolate and ate them. after swallowing she added, "It's really not that creepy inside. It reminds me of my house actually..."

"Whoa," said Michael at her mentioning that it reminds her of her house. "I'm so sorry," he said with a comforting squeeze of her hand. Michael let her lead him where she wanted to go.

Ashley shrugged. "Meh, it doesn't bother me like some would think. There's a reason I look forward to Hogwarts so much," she replied with a smile.

Michael looked into Ashley's eyes and with his left hand gave a gentle stroke or two on her right cheek. "I wish there was someway I could help you, though I must say that Hogwarts is much brighter for me now that I know you, My-Dearie."

"Yeah, I tend to do that for people," Ashley joked, chuckling.

Michael said, "sorry that that always happens," in a compassionate tone. He then kisses the back of Ashley's hand. "I'll go inside with you if you want to show me inside." He gave a charming smile.

Ashley chuckled. "I don't need to be a bad influence on you by having you break rules," she replied. "Besides... it's nto that interesting inside."

"Alrighty," said Michael with a chuckle. "How about let's go to Three-broomsticks for a Butterbeer?," he asked, while giving Ashley's hand a gentle squeeze.

Ashley smiled. "A butterbeer sounds really good right now," she replied.

Michael smiled and then said, "whenever you are ready, Ashley." He rotated his hand/arm in a way that led to her being twirled around. "We can head there whenever you are ready," he added.

Ash smiled. "let's go now, then," she said, starting to walk, her hand still in his.

"Alrighty," said Michael with a smile. He walked towards the Three-broomsticks, with his hand in Ashley's hand.