“Hey, it’s not like the Hogwarts Express hit you,” he pointed out, his eyes twinkling.

“Let’s bring up that subject of size again,” I told him, and it was my turn to do the eye sweeping.

“How many kisses does it take to change your mind?” he asked, pulling me to his side.

I dropped my bag on the floor and became comfortable in the embrace. I’d never pass a chance like this. “As many as the stars in the sky,” I replied meeting his eyes. They were back to amber.

“I know you were mad at us for that Hogsmeade incident,” he pointed out. “This plan has your name written all over it.”

I rolled my eyes. “Hogwarts Express I’m not like you.”

He grinned. This person in front of me looked like he had spotted a Bludger. “I’m game, Hall.”

“You followed what,” she laughed loudly, sprawling carelessly across my bed. “Edrea, you have no such organ.”

I was right. This girl would make a lousy Healer. “Did you wake me up to criticize me?”

“I came to collect my payment.”

“It’s toxic to your mental health.”

“Like trying to understand James,” Claudia said, taking refuge behind me as Marcia had started to mould a snowball. She started laughing. “I can’t help it, and I’m sorry Marcia. I promise you when this day ends I will go back to teasing Edrea. I promise.”

“Relax, Queen E,” she said picking up the book. “Use this time to plan my birthday since I won’t forgive you if you put half an effort on my birthday.”

“I had thought of including the Manticores’s help with the snack selection seeing how thoughtful they were during Saturday’s meeting.”

“Fine,” she relented grudgingly. “You can paint the lanterns.”

“What you don’t know is that those two used to sabotage our pranks before we formed the Manticores. They have been at it since then.”

“Aren’t you backing off the wrong tree?” Claudia enquired. “You are ready to leave your friends because of a little thing as never being able to throw stinking pellets at fellow students.”

“I approve,” Mum said.

“Thanks for helping me pick this dress,” I replied kissing her cheek.

She smiled. “I hope he does something about those replies you think are humorous.”