The Problem with Men and Me
"But progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged." – Dolores Umbridge
Chapter 25: Progress
A shadow fell over my book, blocking the light from the fire. "Hey-um… Penelope?"
I looked up from my book, to find the tall form Leo Smethwyk before me. "Oh… hi." I felt my face go somewhat pink. How was I supposed to act around a guy that, according to Sirius, fancied me? Or that I might fancy back? "Call me Penny- it's much better than Penelope." I thought that at least would be a safe thing to say.
He grinned, "I think Penelope's a very nice name." He assured me, take on a mock-serious sort of air; "But if you prefer Penny, I shall have to oblige, won't I?"
"Yes," I nodded solemnly, "you shall." I pointed to the armchair next to mine. "You should sit with me! We can talk quidditch, like you promised at tryouts." I raised my eyebrows at him; trying to give myself an air of confidence that I was sure I didn't have.
He raised his eyebrows back at me; "In James Potter's seat? I don't dare." He instead sat on the floor in front of me. "I'm surprised you've got the courage to sit in Black's." I recognized it for the question that it was.
I shrugged at him, "Sirius told me I could sit in it as long as he wasn't." I explained, closing my book and setting it aside. "I doubt James would mind much if you sat in his. And I'll just tell him to bugger off if he does."
Leo eyed the chair nervously, "Hm. You're really close to them, aren't you?"
I shrugged, "Just James and Sirius I guess. I mean, I'm friends with them. Sirius taught me how to fly." I didn't find it pertinent to add that Sirius and I had certainly not been on good terms at all before this term. It was pointless to hold onto the past like that, even if it had stung my feelings a bit then.
"Yeah, I heard that from Eoghan. He did a bloody good job." He winked at me playfully.
I stifled my laugh, "Yeah well, I was about ready to strangle him quite a few times." Now of course, I was glad that I hadn't indulged on that urge. Even on the numerous occasions when he slapped or pinched my arse, the little cretin. "What about you? When'd you learn to fly?"
He gave a nonchalant shrug, "I guess I just picked it up over the years. It sort of runs in the blood." He had nice lips, I noted. Shaped ones- not thin like some guys'. A full, pleasant sort of mouth. And tucked away in the corner I felt as if a secret was hidden. Like in J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan. A secret kiss, of some special variety.
I was shaken out of these thoughts (Thankfully, they were much too gushy and romantic for my tastes.) by the very lips I was thinking about breaking into a grin. "You're staring at my mouth." He pointed out.
"Oh. Uh," My face was suddenly very red, "Mm." Mm? That was the most intelligent answer I could come up with? No ingenious excuses? I was falling out of practice in the deceptive arts? Shame on me. "Sorry."
He just kept on grinning. "Merlin, please, I don't mind. Stare at me whenever you want." He winked playfully.
This did not help my blush one single bit. In fact, it may have worsened.
"I didn't mean to embarrass you," He offered, eyes suddenly turning earnest; "I was only teasing. If it's any comfort, I've stared at you before. I was just lucky enough that you didn't notice." He shrugged, "In fact, I don't think you even knew I existed."
I looked up, a smile twitching at my lips, "I know you exist now."
He grinned back; "Well, that's certainly progress."
"Yes," I nodded, propping my chin up in my hand, elbow on my knee, and observing him curiously, "it certainly is."
I think that quote is only from the mvoie, and isn't in the book. But I'm not sure. I don't have a book handy at my aunt's. ):
Wherever the quote is from, Sirius heartily agrees with it in reguards to this chapter.