[i]“Well, I could say the same thing. No one really comes in here, it’s a bit out of the way. For your information, I’m just browsing for anything of interest. I don’t have any qualms or prejudices when it comes to books, especially magical ones. I’m searching for my own purposes right now. Perhaps, if you really were interested, I might share my purposes with you, if for no other reason than I could care less what you think.”[/i]

Her response was somehow both kinda mean and kinda nice at the same time. I honestly wasn’t entirely sure how to respond. Luckily for me, Bridget seemed too distracted to really care if I responded right away. And, much to my surprise, I found that I was genuinely interested in just what she was studying. I watch as she turns around, and freeze slightly as she spends just a moment longer than one would normally look at someone. Or at least longer than most would care to look at [i]me.[/i] I’m just about to say something, but then she interrupts; [i]“Hey...are you all right? You look pale, and based on that fact I am not going to assume that your obviously shaking hands and breathing are attributed to you running here.” [/i]

I blink, honestly taken aback. Not that she noticed, but that she asked. I open my mouth to speak, but words fail me. [i]How can I tell her about my horrific dream? How I still wonder what truly happened that night. I know what I saw that night. I do. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. But can I really explain that to someone I don’t even really know? But how do I NOT without sounding like a jerk?[/i] It takes me a few moments, but I regain myself, and shrug my shoulders.

[b]“I’m fine,”[/b] I say with about as much confidence as a puppy trying to chase a tiger. [b]“It’s...I’m not sick, nor did I run here. Bad dreams is all.”[/b] I answer as honestly as I can bring myself, quickly turning my gaze away from her, suddenly finding the hardwood floor VERY interesting. [b]“Very bad…”[/b] I mutter, almost to myself. I’m lost in thought when I hear her offer to go to the Three Broomsticks. That actually perks me up slightly, and I meet her gaze again. I study her a moment, because she always seemed to me to be on the shy side, sort of a loner like I’ve become since the second year. Our eyes meet for just a second, before I quickly turn away, feeling my face flush for reasons I can’t even explain. 

[b]“A butterbeer? I wouldn’t say no to that. You’re right, I could use one. Even if it doesn’t help, it’d--”[/b] I catch myself. I almost say [i]It’d be fun to hang out with you[/i], and I feel slightly alarmed. I’m a lone wolf. Why do I suddenly care now? 

[b]“--It’d be fun,”[/b] I finish.