Year 3: Chapter 16

Peter awoke earlier than was normal; his head was spinning and his stomach jumping. Without waking the others he crawled out of bed and dressed.

Looking at the clock he noted that breakfast would be served at this hour. After all, lessons were due to start at nine sharp even after the late night of Halloween. So, slipping his shoes on, he left the room.

Downstairs he found that the common room was almost empty with the exception of Joseph Wild who was sat alone in one of the corners, fussing with something in his hand. The corridors though were silent not a soul walked them; there was even a lack of signs of ghosts and Peeves which in itself was strange.

The Great Hall though was comforting it held a small buzz of noise, which gave Peter reassurance. The light through the window was minimum but enough. Few students were there so early but the one Peter had wanted absent sat alone.

Peter had known her for two full years although they had never been close. He had watched her from afar never getting too close. However he couldn't deny an attraction.

She had dark eyes that always sparkled with joy, happiness and knowledge. She was wise in ways beyond a normal thirteen year old and yet never showed it to others.

Her thoughtful, caring ways had been what had drawn Peter to her, the way she took care of those she loved. She had in her the makings of a healer or yet, the makings of a warrior.

Standing there starring he noted the way she pushed her hair from her face. It sat gently in waves to her shoulder. The darkness of it drew him, darker than any of the other girls and yet just right on her.

Slowly he made his way over to the table aware that no other Gryffindor was down. He stopped right next to her and lowered himself onto the bench seat.

"Morning."

She didn't turn to him as she replied with the same word. A single tingle ran down his spine at the sound of her voice. It was like music, the notes a harp makes. Some thought the Welsh accent that she held made her sound stupid but to him it made her stand out, made her that much more special compared to the others.

They sat in silence more uncomfortable than it had ever been before and he couldn't take it. Her smell was driving him mad and he just wanted to touch her.

Without thinking he interlaced his fingers with her own turning to watch her reaction. Her cheeks were red but he didn't mention that to her. Taking a breath he spoke.

"I like you."

It was simple, like the way Amanda had told him to make it. He didn't need to say anything else he had let his feelings show. Her voice in response was small and so unlike her normal one.

"Really?"

Peter knew it was time to add the part Amanda had trained him in the night before. Taking his time so that he would be able to keep his voice level he began.

"Yes really. I know it might have seemed otherwise last night but you surprised me and then ran off before I could react. I know we're different but it doesn't matter. They say opposites attract and you've attracted me."

His eyes met hers, they were as large as saucers and disbelief was written all over her face. He knew that more people were entering and was very much aware of both Dumbledore and Ddraig watching them closely. He knew what he should do and drawing all his courage he leaned towards Branwen and kissed her gently on the lips.

It was only a matter of seconds before he pulled away but before moving completely he managed to say.

"Would you consider coming to Hogsmeade with me on Saturday?"

Her smile was bright and warming and brought one to his own face. She bite her lower lip looking at him over her eyelashes and nodded gently before blushing and turning back to her own meal.

Peter beamed as he took a mouthful of blueberry pancake as the pair sat in silence waiting for their friends to come down to breakfast.

Okay just a small little note that I forgot to add and just realised after all this time, Branwen's father is called Taliesin and I know that if you're not Welsh you most likely have never heard of the name before.

Taliesin was a welsh bard very famous, but the reason I bring this up is because I have been asked lots of times how to pronounce his name. So you said it basically as follows

Ta Lee s in

That is the way to pronounce it, can't make it any clearer, so I thought that I would just add that.

As for the second name well it means dragon in Welsh and is pronounced

Da r ith e ad

Hope this helps.

Kris