TITLE- A SLIGHT CHANGE
CHAPTER 3- BUT…HOW…BUT HOW?
DISCLAIMER- I own nothing. Except Tina, Lorelai, and Ratchell. I own a couple of bucks and a He-Man toothbrush, but that's about it. It's all J.K. Rowling's.
The ride to Hogwarts was less than entertaining. I took out my portable c.d. player, which was a Muggle's sort of entertainment, so the three kid wizards were fascinated by it. I had to explain to them what it did many times, very slowly. ("It plays music. These little circular pads have music makers in them that play music. No, Ron, you don't put them there. Put them on your ears. No, not like that. Ron, look. Dang it! Just listen!") I have so far converted Ron and Harry into fans of the Clash but Hermione says that it's a load of rubbish. ("Honestly! I don't understand a single word they're saying!") Other than that little episode, the ride was pretty quiet.
But, when we were within viewing distance of Hogwarts, I was totally shocked. I mean, I've seen pictures of Hogwarts but they were nothing compared to the real thing. Its stone walls were crawling with ivy and its arched windows were lit with candles, illuminating the night sky. The train rumbled to a stop and I saw horseless carriages an about thirty boats awaiting the students.
The sounds of laughter and doors slamming shut roused me from my studying of Hogwarts. I left the train with Ron assuring me that my belongings would be waiting for me in the dormitory.
The three wizards led me to the Great Hall and, let me tell you, it was great. Candles floated in the air, giving the Hall an almost heavenly glow. There were four tables stretching for about thirty feet each, which is where the students sat. There was also a stage lined with chairs. Older witches and wizards, whom I assumed to be the teachers, began sitting in these seats. I watched each one sit down: the short one with the bushy white beard, the man with the hooked nose and greasy hair, Remus, the woman-
Remus? I did a double take and, sure enough, my father was sitting on stage chatting with Greasy Man.
"Lupin's here!" Harry exclaimed, his face shining with happiness.
"I didn't know he was coming back!" Hermione turned to me with raised eyebrows.
Holding my hands up defensively, I said, "No idea. He didn't tell me that he was coming back."
A tall wizard with flowing grey hair and a long silver beard approached the podium in the middle of the stage and a hush fell over the Hall in an instant.
"Dude…" I breathed, impressed.
"Welcome back for another year at Hogwarts!" He said, his voice soft and raspy. "Before we begin the Sorting and feast, I would like to make a few announcements. First and foremost, I would like to welcome back Professor Remus Lupin, who will once again be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." He had to raise his voice to say the last half of the sentence, for the clapping had drowned out his voice. I guess Remus was well liked. He looked at me and winked. Apparently this was why he was so pleased that we were heading off to school.
"Not only did Professor Lupin return to Hogwarts," the wizard continued, "but he also brought along a special guest. His daughter, Lorelai Kelsey, is also here at the school. She has transferred over from Ratchell, which is another wizarding school in California. Lorelai will be Sorted later this evening."
As he continued to speak, I turned to Harry and Ron, who appeared to be slightly bored.
"What's he mean 'Sorted'?" I asked them.
"The Sorting Hat-" Harry pointed to a hat that sat on a stool, looking as if it'd certainly seen better days. "-will choose which house you're going to be in. Did you have school houses in Ratchell?"
"Yep."
"We're in Gryffindor. Oh, look, Dumbledore's done. You might wanna head onstage. Sorting's about to begin."
I quickly walked up to the stage and stood amongst the first years. I felt so stupid, standing about a half foot taller than most of them, attracting the most attention. I glanced towards Remus, who gave me a reassuring smile.
"Aldens, Kacey." A thin witch with an even thinner nose read the names of the younger kids and they then went to sit on the stool. Before the hat even touched Kacey Aldens' head, it shouted out "Hufflepuff!" This system seemed to drone on and on before I was the only one left.
"Kelsey, Lorelai." The witch smiled at me as I sat. She placed the hat atop my head and I waited patiently.
"Hmm… I don't suppose you have a preference in what house you'd rather be in, do you?" The hat asked.
"Gryffindor would be nice."
"Really? You'd do so much better in Ravenclaw, though, with your brains. You are also very well associated with the Dark Arts, so you should belong in Slytherin. But, your father was in Gryffindor. So… GRYFFINDOR!"
I let out a sigh of relief as the Gryffindor table applauded loudly. I returned to my seat beside Hermione and have Remus a thumbs up. I already felt at home.
"What classes have you got today, Lor?" Ron asked at breakfast the next morning.
"Um…" I finished my bite of bagel and cleared my throat. "Divination, Potions… all right, Double Dark Arts! And then, Herbology. What about you guys?"
"Same," Harry and Ron replied.
Hermione looked at me but quickly returned to studying her schedule. I could've sworn that that was a dirty look, but I'm probably mistaken. It's early.
"Same except Divination," she said. "I have Arithmancy then."
I finished my bagel and jam before following Ron and Harry to the Divination tower. The whole time I listened to them spout on and on about what a horrible teacher Professor Trelawney is and if she predicts that I were to die soon, not to worry. Harry's died several times, according to her.
"Load of cock-and-bull, if ya ask me," Ron muttered.
"Good thing nobody asked you." Harry threw his bag on the table and gazed longingly at what looked to be a Quidditch field. I've heard several stories of Harry's Quidditch games from Remus. He speaks very highly of Harry's skills as a Seeker. I didn't play Quid ditch at Ratchell but I dreamt of it. I'm not too good on a broom. I can get from point A to point B but that's about it.
"Welcome, class." A breathy voice filled the room, snapping me from my thoughts. I took one look at her, with her glasses that were way too large and her mousy face, and knew that I wasn't going to like her.
"How's your father?" She asked me.
"Why don't you ask him?" I retorted, yawning widely.
"Well, now." She looked taken aback. "I see that I will have trouble with you."
"Quick question. Do you see the Belfast Podmice making it to the Quidditch Finals this year? I've got some money on them."
"Did you see the look on Trelawney's face?"
"That girl's got guts!"
"Merlin, that was good."
Voices all around me talked about my verbal spat with Trelawney and Harry and Ron seemed amused by the whole thing.
"I've been wishing to do that for ages and you do it on your first day!" Ron exclaimed in awe.
"She bugged me." I waved at Hermione who was making her way towards us with a look of utter shock on her face.
"How can you speak to a professor like that?" She demanded of me. "I just heard what you said to Professor Trelawney from Hannah Abbot!"
"Hey! You stormed out on her third year!" Harry reminded her. "Lor was just mocking her. You do that, too."
"Not to her face, I don't! I have the decency of keeping my words private. Anyways, why are you defending her?"
Harry blushed. "Because she's my friend!"
By then we had reached Potions and there was an air of disgust that settled between myself and Hermione. Harry and Ron, God bless them, sat between us, sort of like walls or something.
The Greasy Man from last night had swept into the room, sending an icy shiver down my spine. I read through my schedule to find his name. Severus Snape. He creeps me out.
"Good morning." His voice was as sleazy as his hair. "I'm sure you've heard that the teachers are looking for students who are willing and able to help them over the year."
A murmur of excitement ran through the room.
"Apparently I am mistaken," Snape said, dryly. "The headmaster is requesting that all teachers choose students to assist them throughout the year. Us teachers must choose a student by asking them to complete a task and the one who receives the highest marking shall be the teacher's assistant. Unfortunately, for me, this class is my selection."
"Unfortunately for him?" Ron whispered incredulously. "More like unfortunately for us!"
"The task is to brew an antidote for a doxy's poison. Without instructions." This caused an uproar. "SILENCE! Your finished product should be a light pink color. You may begin."
Ron and Harry sat gaping at each other while Hermione and I began working on our potions. This was a simple enough task. My Potions teach at Ratchell drilled this recipe into my brain last year because the land around our school was buzzing with doxies. There were ate least three bites a day, so I was used to making this potion.
Forty minutes later, I had finished with my potion and it was a very pale pink. Hermione had finished hers about ten minutes earlier, although hers was hot pink, which caused Snape to sneer at her.
"Professor?" I raised my hand and waited for him to examine my potion.
"Well, you've got the coloring right." He took a vile and filled it with my potion. "Would you like to test it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well. Follow me."
I followed him to the front of the class and was aware that every eye was on me. He pulled a box out of his closet and opened it, a pink fairy-like creature emerged. It flew around the room once before its eyes landed on me. It sped towards me and bit my arm, its tiny teeth pricking my skin like needles. I didn't cry out in pain, like most people would. However, most people didn't get bit by doxies on a weekly basis. I calmly grabbed the doxy and handed it to Snape, who was watching me closely. I took a sip of my potion and watched as the bite mark vanished and my skin returned to normal.
"Good. Fifty points to Gryffindor." The room was silent and all of the Gryffindors stared at Snape. From what I've heard, he's never awarded Gryffindor any points. He returned the doxy to the closet and looked out at the class.
"Who else would like to test their antidote?" Pause. Silence. "No one? Just as well. It would be horrible to send someone to the Hospital Wing on the first day." He turned to me. "I would like a word with you after class, Miss Kelsey."
"Yes, sir."
"Class dismissed."
I gave a small smile to the gang as they left the room. Harry was the only one to return it. Ron and Hermione were too busy bickering to notice.
Snape sat down at his desk and motioned for me to sit opposite him. He studied the scar on his right arm before looking up at me.
"Your father speaks very highly of you," he said, sounding almost sincere.
"He's a good guy."
"That he is. Would you like to be my assistant?"
"Um, sure." I was curious as to why Snape was being somewhat nice to me. Remus told me that he wasn't really Gryffindor's best supporter, so I was a little suspicious at his behavior.
"Okay, then."
"Um, Professor, why are you being so nice to me?"
He looked surprised at the question. "I don't think I understand."
"I mean, you're not the nicest guy in the world, especially not to Gryffindors. So why are you being nice to me?"
He was silent for a minute, his dark eyes piercing into mine. "Well, I don't like that Granger girl."
"Hermione?" I laughed.
"Yes. I was delighted when you outscored her. That has never happened in my classroom before."
"So, you're being nice to me because I beat Hermione?"
He shook his head. "Your father's a great man. He's been there for me when no one else has, and I for him. Even after I tried to turn Sirius Black over to the Ministry, Remus still trusted me.
"When we were at school together, James Potter, Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Remus were great friends. James and Black were troublemakers who enjoyed taunting me. Peter laughed along with the others but Remus didn't. He didn't do anything, actually, but he didn't laugh. I've always had a sort of respect for him because of that."
"Is that why you don't like Harry?"
"Yes," he muttered.
I smirked but my face soon turned serious. "Why did you tell me that?"
As if just realizing he'd been spilling his guts out to me, Snape stood up sharply. "You should probably get to class."
"Yeah."
"Meet me in my office after dinner every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, okay?"
"Yes, sir. Bye."
"Good bye."
I slung my bag over my shoulder and made my way to the Dark Arts classroom, feeling better about Snape. I don't know why the students loathe him so much. Okay, yes, I do. He's an ass. But, I mean, I figure that's all just an act. Inside, he's hurting and he hurts other people because that's all he knows. He grew up being mocked and now he lets out his hurt and frustration by mocking others. As I thought of this, I began to feel bad for him. I decided to take it upon myself to help Snape. I was going to brighten his mood and make him laugh, even if all I get out of him is a smile. He deserves it.
I ran into Remus's classroom and, once again, all eyes fell on me.
"Sorry, I'm late. Professor Snape wanted to talk to me after class," I told Remus.
"Do you have a note to prove this?"
"I have the word of the people who were in class at the time."
"Very well. Take a seat and turn to page 16. We're starting curses and counter curses."
I sat down next to Hermione, who turned all of her attention to studying the diagram on page 16. Harry leaned forward just enough to make eye contact with me as he passed me a note.
Glancing up to make sure Remus wasn't looking, I unfolded the note.
"Lorelai, How'd the meeting with Snape go? I'm dying to hear about it. Maybe you can tell me about it this weekend in Hogsmeade. Do you want to go with me? I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks for lunch at noon. -Harry"
I could feel myself blushing as I shoved the note in the pocket of my robes. Did Harry just ask me out on a date? I stole a glimpse at him and caught him blushing as well, a little smile tugging at his lips.
"Mr. Potter… Potter… Harry!" Remus waved a hand in front of Harry's face, gaining his attention. "Can you tell me the counter curse for a Disarming Spell?"
"Um… yeah, sure." He glanced my way and his whole face turned a deep shade of red.
Yep. He just asked me out.
Oh, God.
CHAPTER 3- BUT…HOW…BUT HOW?
DISCLAIMER- I own nothing. Except Tina, Lorelai, and Ratchell. I own a couple of bucks and a He-Man toothbrush, but that's about it. It's all J.K. Rowling's.
The ride to Hogwarts was less than entertaining. I took out my portable c.d. player, which was a Muggle's sort of entertainment, so the three kid wizards were fascinated by it. I had to explain to them what it did many times, very slowly. ("It plays music. These little circular pads have music makers in them that play music. No, Ron, you don't put them there. Put them on your ears. No, not like that. Ron, look. Dang it! Just listen!") I have so far converted Ron and Harry into fans of the Clash but Hermione says that it's a load of rubbish. ("Honestly! I don't understand a single word they're saying!") Other than that little episode, the ride was pretty quiet.
But, when we were within viewing distance of Hogwarts, I was totally shocked. I mean, I've seen pictures of Hogwarts but they were nothing compared to the real thing. Its stone walls were crawling with ivy and its arched windows were lit with candles, illuminating the night sky. The train rumbled to a stop and I saw horseless carriages an about thirty boats awaiting the students.
The sounds of laughter and doors slamming shut roused me from my studying of Hogwarts. I left the train with Ron assuring me that my belongings would be waiting for me in the dormitory.
The three wizards led me to the Great Hall and, let me tell you, it was great. Candles floated in the air, giving the Hall an almost heavenly glow. There were four tables stretching for about thirty feet each, which is where the students sat. There was also a stage lined with chairs. Older witches and wizards, whom I assumed to be the teachers, began sitting in these seats. I watched each one sit down: the short one with the bushy white beard, the man with the hooked nose and greasy hair, Remus, the woman-
Remus? I did a double take and, sure enough, my father was sitting on stage chatting with Greasy Man.
"Lupin's here!" Harry exclaimed, his face shining with happiness.
"I didn't know he was coming back!" Hermione turned to me with raised eyebrows.
Holding my hands up defensively, I said, "No idea. He didn't tell me that he was coming back."
A tall wizard with flowing grey hair and a long silver beard approached the podium in the middle of the stage and a hush fell over the Hall in an instant.
"Dude…" I breathed, impressed.
"Welcome back for another year at Hogwarts!" He said, his voice soft and raspy. "Before we begin the Sorting and feast, I would like to make a few announcements. First and foremost, I would like to welcome back Professor Remus Lupin, who will once again be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." He had to raise his voice to say the last half of the sentence, for the clapping had drowned out his voice. I guess Remus was well liked. He looked at me and winked. Apparently this was why he was so pleased that we were heading off to school.
"Not only did Professor Lupin return to Hogwarts," the wizard continued, "but he also brought along a special guest. His daughter, Lorelai Kelsey, is also here at the school. She has transferred over from Ratchell, which is another wizarding school in California. Lorelai will be Sorted later this evening."
As he continued to speak, I turned to Harry and Ron, who appeared to be slightly bored.
"What's he mean 'Sorted'?" I asked them.
"The Sorting Hat-" Harry pointed to a hat that sat on a stool, looking as if it'd certainly seen better days. "-will choose which house you're going to be in. Did you have school houses in Ratchell?"
"Yep."
"We're in Gryffindor. Oh, look, Dumbledore's done. You might wanna head onstage. Sorting's about to begin."
I quickly walked up to the stage and stood amongst the first years. I felt so stupid, standing about a half foot taller than most of them, attracting the most attention. I glanced towards Remus, who gave me a reassuring smile.
"Aldens, Kacey." A thin witch with an even thinner nose read the names of the younger kids and they then went to sit on the stool. Before the hat even touched Kacey Aldens' head, it shouted out "Hufflepuff!" This system seemed to drone on and on before I was the only one left.
"Kelsey, Lorelai." The witch smiled at me as I sat. She placed the hat atop my head and I waited patiently.
"Hmm… I don't suppose you have a preference in what house you'd rather be in, do you?" The hat asked.
"Gryffindor would be nice."
"Really? You'd do so much better in Ravenclaw, though, with your brains. You are also very well associated with the Dark Arts, so you should belong in Slytherin. But, your father was in Gryffindor. So… GRYFFINDOR!"
I let out a sigh of relief as the Gryffindor table applauded loudly. I returned to my seat beside Hermione and have Remus a thumbs up. I already felt at home.
"What classes have you got today, Lor?" Ron asked at breakfast the next morning.
"Um…" I finished my bite of bagel and cleared my throat. "Divination, Potions… all right, Double Dark Arts! And then, Herbology. What about you guys?"
"Same," Harry and Ron replied.
Hermione looked at me but quickly returned to studying her schedule. I could've sworn that that was a dirty look, but I'm probably mistaken. It's early.
"Same except Divination," she said. "I have Arithmancy then."
I finished my bagel and jam before following Ron and Harry to the Divination tower. The whole time I listened to them spout on and on about what a horrible teacher Professor Trelawney is and if she predicts that I were to die soon, not to worry. Harry's died several times, according to her.
"Load of cock-and-bull, if ya ask me," Ron muttered.
"Good thing nobody asked you." Harry threw his bag on the table and gazed longingly at what looked to be a Quidditch field. I've heard several stories of Harry's Quidditch games from Remus. He speaks very highly of Harry's skills as a Seeker. I didn't play Quid ditch at Ratchell but I dreamt of it. I'm not too good on a broom. I can get from point A to point B but that's about it.
"Welcome, class." A breathy voice filled the room, snapping me from my thoughts. I took one look at her, with her glasses that were way too large and her mousy face, and knew that I wasn't going to like her.
"How's your father?" She asked me.
"Why don't you ask him?" I retorted, yawning widely.
"Well, now." She looked taken aback. "I see that I will have trouble with you."
"Quick question. Do you see the Belfast Podmice making it to the Quidditch Finals this year? I've got some money on them."
"Did you see the look on Trelawney's face?"
"That girl's got guts!"
"Merlin, that was good."
Voices all around me talked about my verbal spat with Trelawney and Harry and Ron seemed amused by the whole thing.
"I've been wishing to do that for ages and you do it on your first day!" Ron exclaimed in awe.
"She bugged me." I waved at Hermione who was making her way towards us with a look of utter shock on her face.
"How can you speak to a professor like that?" She demanded of me. "I just heard what you said to Professor Trelawney from Hannah Abbot!"
"Hey! You stormed out on her third year!" Harry reminded her. "Lor was just mocking her. You do that, too."
"Not to her face, I don't! I have the decency of keeping my words private. Anyways, why are you defending her?"
Harry blushed. "Because she's my friend!"
By then we had reached Potions and there was an air of disgust that settled between myself and Hermione. Harry and Ron, God bless them, sat between us, sort of like walls or something.
The Greasy Man from last night had swept into the room, sending an icy shiver down my spine. I read through my schedule to find his name. Severus Snape. He creeps me out.
"Good morning." His voice was as sleazy as his hair. "I'm sure you've heard that the teachers are looking for students who are willing and able to help them over the year."
A murmur of excitement ran through the room.
"Apparently I am mistaken," Snape said, dryly. "The headmaster is requesting that all teachers choose students to assist them throughout the year. Us teachers must choose a student by asking them to complete a task and the one who receives the highest marking shall be the teacher's assistant. Unfortunately, for me, this class is my selection."
"Unfortunately for him?" Ron whispered incredulously. "More like unfortunately for us!"
"The task is to brew an antidote for a doxy's poison. Without instructions." This caused an uproar. "SILENCE! Your finished product should be a light pink color. You may begin."
Ron and Harry sat gaping at each other while Hermione and I began working on our potions. This was a simple enough task. My Potions teach at Ratchell drilled this recipe into my brain last year because the land around our school was buzzing with doxies. There were ate least three bites a day, so I was used to making this potion.
Forty minutes later, I had finished with my potion and it was a very pale pink. Hermione had finished hers about ten minutes earlier, although hers was hot pink, which caused Snape to sneer at her.
"Professor?" I raised my hand and waited for him to examine my potion.
"Well, you've got the coloring right." He took a vile and filled it with my potion. "Would you like to test it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well. Follow me."
I followed him to the front of the class and was aware that every eye was on me. He pulled a box out of his closet and opened it, a pink fairy-like creature emerged. It flew around the room once before its eyes landed on me. It sped towards me and bit my arm, its tiny teeth pricking my skin like needles. I didn't cry out in pain, like most people would. However, most people didn't get bit by doxies on a weekly basis. I calmly grabbed the doxy and handed it to Snape, who was watching me closely. I took a sip of my potion and watched as the bite mark vanished and my skin returned to normal.
"Good. Fifty points to Gryffindor." The room was silent and all of the Gryffindors stared at Snape. From what I've heard, he's never awarded Gryffindor any points. He returned the doxy to the closet and looked out at the class.
"Who else would like to test their antidote?" Pause. Silence. "No one? Just as well. It would be horrible to send someone to the Hospital Wing on the first day." He turned to me. "I would like a word with you after class, Miss Kelsey."
"Yes, sir."
"Class dismissed."
I gave a small smile to the gang as they left the room. Harry was the only one to return it. Ron and Hermione were too busy bickering to notice.
Snape sat down at his desk and motioned for me to sit opposite him. He studied the scar on his right arm before looking up at me.
"Your father speaks very highly of you," he said, sounding almost sincere.
"He's a good guy."
"That he is. Would you like to be my assistant?"
"Um, sure." I was curious as to why Snape was being somewhat nice to me. Remus told me that he wasn't really Gryffindor's best supporter, so I was a little suspicious at his behavior.
"Okay, then."
"Um, Professor, why are you being so nice to me?"
He looked surprised at the question. "I don't think I understand."
"I mean, you're not the nicest guy in the world, especially not to Gryffindors. So why are you being nice to me?"
He was silent for a minute, his dark eyes piercing into mine. "Well, I don't like that Granger girl."
"Hermione?" I laughed.
"Yes. I was delighted when you outscored her. That has never happened in my classroom before."
"So, you're being nice to me because I beat Hermione?"
He shook his head. "Your father's a great man. He's been there for me when no one else has, and I for him. Even after I tried to turn Sirius Black over to the Ministry, Remus still trusted me.
"When we were at school together, James Potter, Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Remus were great friends. James and Black were troublemakers who enjoyed taunting me. Peter laughed along with the others but Remus didn't. He didn't do anything, actually, but he didn't laugh. I've always had a sort of respect for him because of that."
"Is that why you don't like Harry?"
"Yes," he muttered.
I smirked but my face soon turned serious. "Why did you tell me that?"
As if just realizing he'd been spilling his guts out to me, Snape stood up sharply. "You should probably get to class."
"Yeah."
"Meet me in my office after dinner every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, okay?"
"Yes, sir. Bye."
"Good bye."
I slung my bag over my shoulder and made my way to the Dark Arts classroom, feeling better about Snape. I don't know why the students loathe him so much. Okay, yes, I do. He's an ass. But, I mean, I figure that's all just an act. Inside, he's hurting and he hurts other people because that's all he knows. He grew up being mocked and now he lets out his hurt and frustration by mocking others. As I thought of this, I began to feel bad for him. I decided to take it upon myself to help Snape. I was going to brighten his mood and make him laugh, even if all I get out of him is a smile. He deserves it.
I ran into Remus's classroom and, once again, all eyes fell on me.
"Sorry, I'm late. Professor Snape wanted to talk to me after class," I told Remus.
"Do you have a note to prove this?"
"I have the word of the people who were in class at the time."
"Very well. Take a seat and turn to page 16. We're starting curses and counter curses."
I sat down next to Hermione, who turned all of her attention to studying the diagram on page 16. Harry leaned forward just enough to make eye contact with me as he passed me a note.
Glancing up to make sure Remus wasn't looking, I unfolded the note.
"Lorelai, How'd the meeting with Snape go? I'm dying to hear about it. Maybe you can tell me about it this weekend in Hogsmeade. Do you want to go with me? I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks for lunch at noon. -Harry"
I could feel myself blushing as I shoved the note in the pocket of my robes. Did Harry just ask me out on a date? I stole a glimpse at him and caught him blushing as well, a little smile tugging at his lips.
"Mr. Potter… Potter… Harry!" Remus waved a hand in front of Harry's face, gaining his attention. "Can you tell me the counter curse for a Disarming Spell?"
"Um… yeah, sure." He glanced my way and his whole face turned a deep shade of red.
Yep. He just asked me out.
Oh, God.