A/N: Shorter than the others, but it didn't come to me as easily as the others, either. The next will be longer cuz I know what I want to happen in it and then one more is the last. Enjoy!

I shifted on the couch and looked at my watch. 11:35. I looked up as she walked in. Her gaze immediately fell to the empty table across from me. She gasped and stumbled slightly, gripping the back of the chair for support. My immediate thought was to go to her, but I stopped myself, making my current position seem more casual.

"Are you okay?"

She hesitated before turning to look at me. The look of distress on her face made my chest ache until it melted into that beautiful smile.

"Yeah. I'm wonderful."

"Okay." I smiled in relief.

I looked down at my watch and sighed. 11:37. Two minutes. A whole two minutes of interaction. Brilliant you eloquent arse. I got up and started to the stairs.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I hesitated, hearing her sigh, but didn't turn. Then I heard her mumble something that sounded like "camera peel tree' and stopped, looking back at her over my shoulder.

"What?"

She smiled at me.

"Chamomile tea," she said more clearly. "You're always up so late. It'd help you get to sleep earlier."

I nodded and smiled at her complete obliviousness. ''I'll think about it. Thanks."

I practically sprinted up the stairs to keep myself from doing something I'd later regret. If only she knew that I waited up every night for her...

~*~*~

Every move she makes is just so elegant. Like grace incarnate. Even just stirring that bloody cauldron looks like she's dancing. And she doesn't even know she's doing it. It's just how she is.

And I've been kicking myself for days. Why did I just leave? Why couldn't I say something to keep her there longer? She's not even acknowledging my existence now. It's like the whole thing never happened for her. As if I wasn't staring at her blatantly enough.

I bet she has a boyfriend now. That's it, isn't it? That's why she's been ignoring me. And yet...I never see her with anyone but her friends...

~*~*~

The route between the library and the Great Hall takes me past the music class room. Usually the door is closed and the hall lightly scattered with other students headed down to dinner. Tonight the hall is empty and the door is cracked allowing light and beautiful music to pour out.

I stopped and pushed the door open just a bit more.

She sat at the piano, completely lost in the music, leaning and rocking with the notes. It started out slow and soft, her hands gently caressing the ivory. Then the music evolved, picking up speed and volume, changing into something lighter and more fun.

Then her fingers stumbled and she stopped, growling quietly to herself in frustration. She picked up a quill and started scribbling on the parchment on the stand in front of her. Revising and adding. She composed the piece...

~*~*~

She sighed and took a drink, then stood to leave. I waited till she exited the room to quickly wipe my mouth and follow her.

It was easy to catch up and I easily fell into step beside her on the way back to the common room.

"So...uh...chamomile tea, huh..." I ventured.

She laughed softly, a light, beautiful sound. I silently vowed to myself that I would hear it again.

"Yeah, chamomile tea. Have you tried it yet?"

"Umm...no... I haven't really had the opportunity really yet."

Why didn't I think she'd ask my that? How bloody stupid am I? And how many times did I say 'really'?

"Oh. Well there's always tonight. I could brew some for you. I've actually had some trouble sleeping, myself, recently, and I have some in the dorm."

I smiled at my minute personal triumph. I'd actually managed to maintain a conversation for more than two minutes. And she'd even shared something relatively personal with me. And she's still waiting for me to answer. Damn!

"That'd be great... Really helpful..."

Brilliant! Just bloody brilliant! Great? Helpful? Am I her brother?

She laughed again, pulling me from my silent berating. I smiled at her and she smiled back. Beautiful.

I glanced up at the portrait and muttered the password. It swung open and I motioned for her to go ahead. She nodded and stepped through, immediately rushing off up the stairs.

I fell onto the couch with a sigh. Now what'll I do? I have no idea what I'll say to her once she gives me the tea. She's so beyond anything I've ever imagined. Even more now. I need to know. What she thinks of me. And whether there's someone else. God help me if there is...

I can't have lost my chance...