The Apology

This kiss was sudden and passionate, giving her no time to stop him or over think it. It wasn't the type of kiss that allowed her to register where she put her hands, or how firmly she responded to his lips, all Ava knew was that she lost herself in it along the way.

It felt as though her bones were shaking when he released Ava. She didn't know what to think or do, it felt too sudden and explosive, like a firework, she couldn't stop it once she'd said she loved him, but the aftermath was empty with only sparks of her words around her. Could he see it on her face? Because the Hufflepuff hadn't let her go and was staring at her with as much intensity as he'd shown in their kiss. "Be my girlfriend." It wasn't a question, which actually helped the situation. Philo was normally considerate and constantly checking her feelings, but at that moment he was determined and strong, exactly what she needed. It was as if the decision had been made for her, and Ava pushed away thoughts of what her family would say, or of the possibility he would eventually realize she wasn't that special.

"Are you sure? Don't feel like you have to ask..." The look in his eyes made her stop and a smile tugged at her lips. "I mean, yes I will..." As articulate as ever. The Slytherin blushed and rested her hand on his hip, it felt both natural and completely strange to her. She wasn't as bold as Philo, or as confident, she was still surprised she'd told him she loved him. "I don't know how good of a girlfriend I'm going to be," she breathed. Ava didn't want him to reassure her of anything or even respond, she only said it so he was aware of how nervous she still was. Not wanting him to think she wasn't happy she reached up and planted a soft, fleeting kiss on his lips before dropping back on her heels.

It was warm inside, and the Great Hall which had seemed so isolating when she hadn't been speaking to Philo was once again welcoming. Ava glanced at her table, knowing they should probably part ways. The Hufflepuffs weren't her biggest fans, and Slytherins didn't like Hufflepuffs on principle. "Would you like to go to the Halloween Ball with me?" Philo asked. Ava wrinkled her nose at the question. She usually avoided dressing up as it drew attention but the thought of going with Philo, her now boyfriend, made her feelings shift.

"Sure, it might be fun," she said and smiled. Now she had to worry about finding an outfit, she had no idea what to be though. "I should go," she said and twisted her fingers in his. "I'll see you later though?" Her thumb stroked the back of his hand as she kissed him briefly. She was so happy compared to that morning, how quickly things could change.