*Tia*

He spoke to me today!

Ever since then I've been replaying the conversation over and over again in my head.

Arriving at Firenze's lesson late, me, Taylor and Jamie slipped in unnoticed. People were scattered around the floor listening to the lecture.

'Hi,' said a voice from behind me.

It was him.

With butterflies in my stomach, I laid down next to him, with Jamie and Taylor on my other side.

'Ask lover-boy if Firenze has asked for the homework yet,' Taylor hissed at me.

I made a face at her.

By now my heart was pounding. I turned to him and he smiled; that cheeky handsome smile that made him so popular.

He's just perfect, I thought to myself.

I blushed as I realised I was meant to be speaking.

'Uh has ummm homework been ummm,' I stammered.

He frowned, 'Homework?'

I giggled. He was cute even when frowning.

I turned to Taylor to let her know not to worry about the homework.

Turning back to Ryden, I noticed the smile had already returned to his face.

'Them two look quite cozy,' Ryden said moving closer to me.

I could feel his shoulder against mine.

'Yeah I think they'd make a good couple.' I replied.

'The're not the only ones,' he said winking at me.

'What do you mean?' I questioned.

He laughed and shook his head.

Suddenly realising what he had said I quickly changed the subject, 'So we have arithmancy next?'

'Yeah', he replied. 'Wish we didn't, I just don't understand numbers'

'I can help you!' I blurted out before I could stop myself.

'You mean like a tutor.'

'Yeah like a tutor.' I smiled. This could actually be fun and it would give Taylor and Jamie some time on their own.

'I'll hold you to that,' he said. 'Come sit next to me next lesson and we can get started right away.'

He winked at me again and then turned his attention back to the lesson leaving me speechless.

I couldn't concentrate for the rest of the lesson, the conversation playing over and over in my head. Had Ryden meant everything he'd said or was he joking. It was almost as if he was flirting, but could it be? Maybe just maybe the feeling could be mutual. Could he like me to? The thought made my heart leap.

Ryden turned back to me a while later and opened his mouth to say something just as, 'Hey you two stop the chatter for a sec.' It was Taylor. 'Has Firenze taken the register yet? Jamie's being a goody two shoes again.'

Ryden laughed so I did to. I know I probably embarrassed Jamie in front of Taylor but what could I do. I made a mental note to clear it up with him later.

'Yes he has,' said Ryden.

After that the rest of the lesson was mostly spent talking between me, Taylor and Jamie and occasionally Ryden and his friends joined in.

At break we snuck out. Ryden and his friends left us almost as if they hadn't been speaking to us during the lesson. But I saw that look in his eye as he walked away. The fleeting look he gave me as he turned and joined his friends.

Taylor and Jamie talked Quidditch all the way to 'our' bench. I love quidditch but my thoughts turned backed to Ryden. As much as I loved my brother and best friend, I longed to have someone of my own. Plus I really had to get them two together!

Moments later, we found ourselves making our way towards the lake after Taylor got herself worked up about the 'golden trio.'

As we neared we could hear chanting.

'DUEL, DUEL, DUEL, DUEL.'

A crowd of students were gathered in front of us. In front of them, two students stood face to face, wands out.

'Wonder what they're fighting about?' whispered Jamie.

One student, a tall male with blonde hair, took a step back and shouted 'Stupefy!'

A flash of light shot out of the end of his wand and hit his opponent square in the chest. After, looking dazed for a moment, he fell to the floor with a loud thud!

'Can't we get any peace anywhere round here?' complained Taylor just as the bell went for next lesson.