She didn’t think he would be difficult or cause a scene. If he wanted to be rude to her, that was fine. She deserved it. But he wasn’t. He got right to work, doing what she asked of him. Cora hadn’t been trying to be bossy or to take control or anything. She had just suggested it to keep them busy, to keep her busy. Anything to help with the awkwardness that was floating between them like the fumes from the others cauldrons.
 
As he got started on cutting, Cora grabbed her ingredients and placed them where they needed to be to be grinded. She focused on that for a moment. They weren’t supposed to be grinded so finely that they could be compared to dust, but as close to that edge as possible. Right. Like that wasn’t going to be hard.
 
“So, How’ve you been, then?  Managing your NEWTs alright?”
 

Oooh, it was going to be a long class.

Cora was well versed in the art of pleasantries but she had never wanted to have to use them on Joel. She supposed it was better than them fighting. “I’ve been fine.” She tucked a fallen strand of hair behind her ear as she continued to use the pestle to grind the ingredient she was working on. “Been busy with NEWT’s. Da wants me to try and bring my marks up.” He wanted her to get all O’s. At this point she would be lucky to get them all to be E’s. “How have you been? I’m sure quidditch has been keeping you busy.” She spared a glance at him and had to look away. That’s all it took, one look, one look and their time together came rushing back to her. Cora had to take a deep breath and step away from him.

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