Though puzzled by the whole tenor of the encounter with Ava’s family, ffleurbert was delighted by her part in it. Being described as ‘a keeper’ was gratifying, even if he wasn’t precisely sure what she meant by it.

In any case they were rid of the attentions of her brother et al, and he could relax. Insofar as he could relax at all around Ava. Because truth be told, her constant displays of affection and frequent kisses were bordering on the frightening. He still couldn’t believe his luck! This little Jujube seemed positively enamored of him! And all he’d done was be passably nice to her and talked no end of twattle.

She seemed to like the twattle, too.

“We’re close,” she told ffleurbert, as way of an apology for her family’s behavior. “We really are going to snog?”

“Well, yes, love, if that’s what you want. I was serious when I said I wasn’t going to force anything on you. We might chat a bit though.” He should offer an alternative. And besides, he hardly knew the girl, really.

“Well, I think we will be plenty alone here. I don’t think even Theo and Gorm could find us here.” Ava grinned.

Ffleurbert looked around the alcove and up the stairs. He remembered the spot vaguely. Then it struck him.

“Divination,” He said. “The only time anyone comes this way is to and from Divination. You’re quite right, my kumquat, it’s perfect.” He’d gone  to exactly three sessions of Divination before dropping it, telling the batty old woman who ran the class that he could predict with 100% certainty that he would fail the class if he kept it up. She seemed satisfied with his soothsaying and let him go without demure.

Pulling out his pocket handkerchief, (Unused these past six years) and gave the stone bench a flap, clearing off the dust and the remains of what looked like a bird’s nest.

“Here we are,” He said, patting the seat beside him. “It’s quiet and it’s dry. The only disadvantage I can see is that it’s pretty useless for lurking, as it has no view to speak of.”

Ava settled in next to him and curled up against him like a kitten. A kissable kitten.

“Now then,” He said, his voice suddenly shaky, and strangely deep, “After the appetizer, the… the..finger food!”He sadi with sudden inspiration. Taking Ava’s hand he kissed the back, and then the palm and the wrist, on the inner side. Suddenly and uninvited the voice of Lionel Skrumpkin, Skrumph’s father came to him. ‘When in doubt, pretend expertise,’ the former butcher had said. He was talking about sports at school, but ffleurbert saw that the advice had wider application.

He began working his way up Avaline’s bare arm, nuzzling and kissing softly. Suddenly he made a dive for her neck, just below her ear.

“Yum,” He purred. His hand slid up her arm, and folded around the back of her head, his fingers combing the hair on the back of her neck.

He kissed her ear, her cheek, the tip of her nose, and then settled lightly on her lips, kissing once, twice, three times; brief little pecks, before covering her whole mouth with his.

This, ffleurbert thought, is heaven in Hogwarts.

Who would have guessed?

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Not Getting Any Younger