45. Illusion: Pretending
She took a deep breath to steady herself. Easy there, Lily-girl. The blood was rushing in her head entirely too loudly – she could see his lips moving, but all she heard was the pounding.
He was standing right over her – how was she supposed to concentrate? At least she knew what he was rambling about – Quidditch, as always. Now was her opportunity – he'd stopped to catch his breath. Quickly, say something!
"You know, Potter," she said, having regained her composure, "nobody really cares anymore."
Maybe, just maybe, if I keep pushing him off, he'll figure out how to push back.