I laugh as she described the sorting hat as [b]“dull as a blank piece of parchment.”[/b] I shake my head, and hold up a hand to correct her. [b]“No no, a blank piece of parchment is [i]far[/i] more interesting than the sorting hat rambling on and on any day!”[/b] I laugh again, probably my first real laugh in 4 years. 

My laugh fades just slightly as she says that she can tell something is bothering me. Truth is, there is a large part of me that just wants to open up to her, to tell her what happened. To ask her opinion on things. It’s everything I can do to not just break down right there, to spill everything in my heart. But I just met her, really. How could I do that? I perked up as she mentioned a room full of secret mirrors and hidden discoveries, however. 

I am about to reply when she tosses 4 Sickles on the table. My eyes widen in surprise that she would just volunteer to pay for me, but before I can protest the barmaiden scoops it up, looking quite pleased. 

[b]“Um. Thanks...I would’ve...I mean I could’ve...thanks. Really,”[/b] I stammer, truly grateful and yet wishing I could have afforded to do something in return. I mean truth was I [i]could[/i] afford it, but at the same time, that’s two sickles I might need later in the year. Not like I had an inheritance of my own from my parents. 

[b]“I’d like to walk back with you,”[/b] I answer perhaps a little too quickly at her offer. [b]“It um. Is a long walk. And quite lon--”[/b] I break into a purposeful coughing fit to cover that last word I’d almost said, and gave a sheepish grin. [b]“ugh, ever choke on your own slobber? It’s both disgusting and humiliating. Anyway, it’s a boring walk by oneself. I’d love to come with you.” [/b]

I turn quickly away, hoping she doesn’t catch the deep red my face decided to turn to at that very moment. I frown a bit, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. [b]“I always thought the whole chocolate thing was a myth; it’s really legit? Well, it gives me an excuse to eat chocolate anyway!”[/b] I exclaim, chuckling a bit.