Michelle was as close to hysteria as she had been in quite a long time. A very big, very famous, very male, Quidditch player was standing in front of her. She felt her heart rate increasing and her fingers tensed on the edges of her purse in front of her. She was not breathing at all, and her face began to slowly turn red from the strain. If it wasnt for the fact that hed been a famous player in his day and that she read his columns constantly, she would have just looked away and possibly even hidden behind Luke, or a nearby lamp post. As it was, she could only stare at him, fascinated, wishing she could articulate her excitement as easily and coolly as Luke. This was yet another reason to adore the boy, but at the moment her attention was wholly on Josh. This would have been bearable, but all of the sudden he addressed her directly and all hopes of remaining composed scattered.

He called her a vision, which suddenly sounded like a tremendous kind of compliment, even if it had her heart racing even faster with nerves. When he winked at her, she couldnt help shrinking back against Luke somewhat. She was still not breathing, and had begun to turn purple.

"I might have to forg-"

"Thank you very much, Mr Cloud.


Wait! Michelles eyes widened even more and she took a gasping breath. What was he going to say? Why, oh why had Plum interrupted him? She glanced between them as she realized that Josh Cloud was not, in fact supposed to be joining them today. This was both a relief and a disappointment all at once. It a relief to know that a big scary man would not be in such close proximity throughout the afternoon, but it was a disappointment to learn that she wouldnt get to listen to more of what Josh Cloud had to say.

"Well now," he drawled, hands shoving into his pockets, "seems to me that it might be only gentlemanly of me to stay with ya'll. Thwart the whole 'third wheel' bit."

Michelle could only nod twice and stare, clutching her purse and reminding herself to breathe.