The next morning, Leo didn't wake up until seven o'clock. Considering that he usually woke at quarter to six, this was extremely unusual for him. He almost considered staying in bed, he had so little enthusiasm for the day which was coming.
Eventually he dragged himself downstairs to the common room to be met by Daphne, who was fiddling with the bunch which held her long blonde hair in a ponytail.
"Morning," he said. "Shall we head down to breakfast?"
"Not just yet, Leo, we need to talk."
"About what?"
"Tracey."
"What does she have to do with anything?"
"She was crying last night," said Daphne, making the words sound like an accusation.
Leo felt like he was missing something. He didn't understand what Tracey's being upset about something had to do with him. "About what?" asked Leo again.
Daphne sighed. "Leo, I never thought I'd be in a position to call you an idiot, but right now you are being one."
He was beginning to feel as if she might be right. "I still don't get it."
"Fine," said Daphne, with an air of long-suffering patience. "I'll spell it out. Tracey has a crush on you."
"I know," said Leo, "but why – "
"Tracey thinks that this is her opportunity to get closer to you. She is very annoyed that you are still obsessed with – "
Finally, the penny dropped. "She thinks – Marisa and I – but that's – we're not – we're not – "
Daphne smiled. She seemed about to say something but hesitated before saying, "Well, you've certainly given Tracey the impression that you are."
"I don't care," snapped Leo.
"She does," replied Daphne. "And so do I. How do you think it makes me feel, being the one who has to deal with this? I suppose you don't think about that, do you? You don't care about anyone other than yourself and Marisa!"
"That's not true – " said Leo haltingly, "I didn't mean to upset her – it's not my fault if she decides to take offence at everything I say."
"No," Daphne admitted, "but you can try and be a bit more tactful around her. Please? It isn't just you this is hard for, it's everyone. Don't make it any worse than it already is."
"All right," admitted Leo grudgingly.