"Your, well You aren't upset about what Whit told you, about the other girls?"

It was not that Alice did not want to discuss the subject, but she was not really ready to talk about it the moment Nic brought it up again. She had been severely embarrassed when Whitney had started blundering through the topic before, and Alice had no wish to repeat her bout of blushing. She seemed to have blushed more in the past month than in the whole of her prior life. Perhaps there had never been any topic so personal to her before. But here it was, and she knew that it would be necessary for them to deal with the whole matter of Nics previous amorous involvements eventually, so she might as well have it behind her.

Oh, that. She said, somewhat meekly. For really she felt it might be kinder of him to leave it for a little while, at least until they had had a chance to find somewhere quiet, and she had had a chance to hold him closely. Walking along the streets of Hogsmede, no matter how pleasant the day, was not the best location for such a conversation. But the, honestly, where was a good spot, when was a good time? Nowhere and never. Alice sighed and stopped. She slipped her arm from Nics and turned to face him. She looked up into his face, his dear, kind worried, loving face and smiled a little. She could only be honest.

Am I upset? What good would it do me if I were? I suppose I could say I wished it werent so, but that wouldnt help anything, would it? Fine, I wish it all away. But that might not be such a good thing either, for then you would be just as inexperienced as I, and we could be two blundering fools together, instead of just the one. Think of what disasters that could result in. So, I suppose I do not wish it all away. I suppose it makes me a little sad, but only for selfish reasons: I suppose it makes me feel a little less special to you. Because you are so very special to me, Nic: The most special person in the world.

But why should I really want any part of you to be different? You are who you are, Nic, and no one other. And I love you, Nic, not some changed you. To wish you had not done this or that thing would be to say I dont want you as you are. But I do want you, just as you are. I dont want you any taller, or any shorter, any quieter or any more talkative. I dont want you to be heavier, or lighter, or less fond of Quidditch, or less protective of Whitney, or less interested in Potions or more interested in my books, or anything other than what you are and who you are. I love who you are. I love you. I cant deny you anything that makes you, you. She took the short forward to lean her head against Nics chest and put her arms about him. Oh, I suppose I would love to take away all the things that make you sad, and give you all the things that will make you happy. I would love to do that. But I know I cant, Nic, nobody can. But Im not going to give up any part of you, past, present or future, because my pride wishes it werent so. She pressed herself into him and then looked up into his face again. Im not saying anything about what happens in the future, though. I cant pretend I wouldnt mind you going off with someone else now. I confess Im too greedy for that. And if I catch you with Caelin Cartney, ever, Ill hex you both into next Wednesday.

Alice took a deep breath and let Nic go, carefully bringing her tea from around his back.

I dont think I spilled any she murmured.

They walked on a little as Nic asked Alice about her family.

Oh, Godfrey? Alice had to smile at the thought of her brother, now become her helper in a strange way. God is a little fourteen year horror of a Squib, but I must admit that try as I might, I am growing rather fond of the boy. Hes improving. Or growing on me. Or maybe just growing up. We are not so close as you and Whitney, as you may have gathered. He goes to Marlborough, and has been making friends with the sons of filthy rich oiks, and plays cricket very well, apparently. He has a girlfriend named Ruth, it seems. You might like him. Im sure he would like you. I dont know what Whitney would make of him. Hell probably charm her completely. He can be very charming.

Father works in the Ministry. Floo network. Mother is a very old-fashioned housewife in many ways. Actually in all ways. Shes rather sweet. Shell just love you. She gave him a little poke. They were both in Hufflepuff, and I used to think they were terribly dull, but now Im not so sure. You have shown me the errors of my ways so far as your house is concerned, and mother seems less.I dont know, less conventional than I thought. We are a very normal sort of half-blood family, I suppose. Both Mummy and Daddy were Muggleborn, you see.

Now, as to when you get to meet them, that rather depends on how strong your nerve is, and whether you could stand Boxing Day with the Masons. Because I think the most wonderful thing in the entire world would be if you could come visit then. But I understand that you might feel like you were being put on display, which would be horrid, and also that your family might not want you to go gallivanting off over the Holidays. But if you could, you might get the added benefit of meeting Grandpa Jack. He worked for British Rail, as an electrician. Hes just a wonderful old dear. Grandma Fenchurch is sweet too, but tries to boss Mummy about when they come, as if she could tell Mummy anything about using magic in a house. They natter and clatter away in the kitchen and wonderful food comes out and we all eat ourselves silly. OH! But .well, youd just have to send the List beforehand, my love, and you may be sure Mummy would come up with an entire menu you could eat without even batting an eye. I could even watch what she makes, so that I couldoh.

Alice realized that perhaps she had given away rather more of some of her dreams than she should.
But whatever Nic might have thought of her little faux pas, he said the words she most wanted to hear as they drew near to the Three Broomsticks.

Of course Alice. He said kissing her. Id love it if you called me your boyfriend.

Then I shall, she said, giving a little skip. To all and sundry. She glanced around them at the few passers-by on the street and said to an elderly witch who was closest, Look, maam. Alices boyfriend, poking Nic in the chest with her finger.

The old woman turned her head and looked them up and down. Lucky Alice, she said with a smile. Alice clung to Nic with a face wreathed in smiles. Yes. Arent I though? she purred.