Alice was saddened that what she was hoping to be taken for irony was construed as some sort of slight. Goodness, she knew better than to be condescending to a third year. She was not knowingly condescending to anyone, unless she had meant to wound. And she wanted more than anything not to offend Whitney. She was Nics sister, and therefore an important person in Alices life now. True, earlier she would not have given a fig for insulting a third year Hufflepuff girl, but that was earlier. She had changed her opinions on a great many things since she met Nic, and this was one of them. She would just have to make it up to the girl somehow.

She listened quietly as Whit responded to her comments regarding their comparative heights, and measurements.

I rather envy your shapeliness." . Besides, he very much likes it too. Cant seem to keep his hands off you now can he?

No, indeed he couldnt, and for that Alice was thankful. Her hand was resting on his thigh, after all.

As to that, Whitney, you know that time will deal with any shortcomings you now might feel you possess. As I meant by my feeble jest, there is nothing I can do to alter my case.

But Whitneys response to her out and out declaration of her love for Nic was not the subdued silence Alice had hoped it would produce. It would seem that this girl, much given to plain speaking herself, had no issue with it from others. And then her litany of foolish girlish sappy habits brought a flush to Alices cheeks. She had, on that one very emotional night been so sillybut it was a small thing and surely she was not to be mocked for it?

Sappy? You think my statement mere sappiness? An overindulgent and somewhat sentimental whim, perhaps? I assure you, Whitney, that I was merely explaining myself in as direct and clear a manner as I knew how. It is not sappiness, it is the literal truth. I do love your brother. Should I be ashamed of the fact? But if I have offended you by kissing your brother in your presence, I apologize. It shall not happen again. Nic, take note; we are to be discreet.

Alice was a little unnerved by Whitneys implied criticism. It was true that she had once, but only the once, tried out the sight and sound of her name changed to his, and had quickly burned the offending parchment as a sign of failing mental capacities. The cup-cake incident was surely allowed given the circumstances, and it was only meant in fun. Still feeling the blush on her cheeks, Alice went on, As to my other supposed offences, you may rest assured that I have not so far indulged in such pointless fantasies. As to prospective names and wedding colors, I think you will have to address yourself to your brother. It is not an issue at present before us, nor, I think, likely to be immediately thrust upon us. I am sure you are aware that it is not a matter that should be bandied about carelessly, nor frivolously, and in any case, it is not for me to even raise the possibility. Ask Nic, by all means, but out of my hearing, pray. She had said enough. Had she continued the mere fact of her denying the hope that had secretly been creeping into her heart would have caused her the greatest conflict. She could not think of such a possibility; she would not.

And Lemons are yellow, tea is disgusting, and I love cocoa. But if you let me have it. Nic won't forgive you for giving me the extra sugar. I'll just have water thank you."

At least here was safer ground. Alice hurried to respond to Whitneys refusal of some beverage. Oh, yes, of course. How neglectful of me; I should rather had asked you what you would like, than make suggestions that you must then reject. Surely there must be some kind of fruit juice which is not offensive in color nor too sweet? Tell me what is permitted and I shall assay to find something for you. There must be something I could offer? Turning to Nic she added, And you, Darling? Is there anything you would like? You will both make me rue bringing you here, if there is nothing here you want. My selection was based primarily on the fact that it is quieter here than most of the available rendezvous.

Alice had begun the habit of coming to Madam Puddifoots in her fourth year, when she felt that a stop in some quiet location after shopping in the village would be pleasant. The three Broomsticks was too loud, the Hogs Head too dirty, and the other locations too inconvenient. Here she could find a table by a window, perhaps, and have a cup of tea, and a biscuit or two, and read a little of her latest purchase before returning to the school. It had therefore been her automatic response when Nic had asked her where to arrange this meeting.

At least, Alice said, now beginning to feel desperate, You will let me buy you something to eat. Study the menu, please, and see if there is something you could enjoy. Turning to Nic she added brightly, They do teacakes without icing and, as far as I know, they serve nothing with writing on it, so you, at least, I can do something for.

Now, Whitney. Do you prefer Whitney, or Whit? I shall use either just as you wish. I am fortunate in that my name allows of almost no diminutive form, for I am fond of it as it is. But to the point I wished to make. You thought before, I believe, that I meant some kind of ironic jibe when I called you an intelligent girl. Once again, I was speaking the unvarnished truth as I understand it. You see, your dear brother informs me that it was your idea that he recite Shakespeares sonnet to me. By my mind that indicates a very keen understanding. You were right, you see. I am both a lover of words and the words of Shakespeare especially. In the event, of course, things did not turn out just as intended, but that was no fault of yours. And perhaps the less said about that unfortunate occasion, the better. As it is, things have turned out rather well, I think. But you could hardly expect me to say otherwise.

She smiled at Nic and ran her hand along his thigh, feeling somewhat aggrieved that she had so precipitously decided to refrain from kissing him in Whitneys presence. She desperately wanted to take him in her arms this very minute and shower kisses on him with the recollection of her feelings during the happier moments of that particular afternoon in the courtyard. Now that would have to wait. But she was determined to make it up to him, and in token of this inner promise she reached up and caressed his face, and gazed into his eyes, and all but forgot about the excitable younger girl sitting opposite her.