AN: I'm really glad people like this so far :D I always worry at this stage that people won't like what I write, so it's great to have support XD

Here comes the nerve-wracking part... Grabiner is one of the most difficult characters to write... I hope he isn't OOC (or at least that the damage is minimal lol) Enjoy!

Saturday May 10th 2014

Arianna paced her room, waiting for a prod to her mind (which would probably be less subtle than normal) that would alert her to Hieronymous' casting of Farspeak. She had assumed that since Saturday had always been mail day, today had been most likely that he would have received her letter…

The day wore on, and yet there was no sign of a looming conversation. She did not once feel the tell-tale pressure that said "someone wants to speak to you"…

Of course, the freshmen had only practiced it a few times. As an exercise, the class had been paired up, and one half were sent to the other side of campus, and told to cast the spell to try talking to their partner once they got there. Arianna had been paired with Virginia, and it had gone rather well. They'd then been told to switch and did it again. It was a simple enough spell, and Arianna knew she'd recognise it. She also knew that it would be easier to hold a connection if it was initiated by someone with more experience… Thus, she wouldn't get worn out so quickly if Hieronymous began the conversation.

But the clock ticked down to 10:30… and she sat down and took out her diary with a sigh.

Dear Diary,

It doesn't look like Hieronymous has received my letter yet, since he has not attempted a farspeak spell… I was sure he'd get it today. Oh well.

Is it weird that… I miss him? I know, it's only been a week… but it kinda hit me all of a sudden today just how long the summer is going to be. Normal, non-magic school never had holidays this long… I don't just miss Hieronymous, I miss magic in general… It's hard to practise at home. I've practised a minor bit of teleporting, only from one end of my room to the other, and only when my parents are asleep, but it's better than nothing.

Just feeling the tingle as the magic courses through me is enough.

But still, I wish I could do more…

As for the rest of my day

But she stopped writing then, as a familiar, warm sensation came into her head, and her heart skipped a beat for a moment, though she couldn't discern the reason from the many that presented themselves.

The warm sensation grew stronger, and she put the lid on her pen, as she allowed the connection to form.

Hieronymous? She questioned, hopefully.

Arianna. Came his familiar voice and she smiled, despite the reason he was contacting her.

You received my letter then?

Indeed I did… I received it this morning.

You're calmer than I expected.

I have had the day to calm myself… I did not think it wise to contact you during the day, when you might be with your parents. Maintaining the connection requires a surprising amount of concentration.

I know. So… did you talk to Professor Potsdam about it?

I have not had the chance. She seems to have been avoiding me today. The old hag probably realised you would notice.

Arianna couldn't help chuckling at him calling her an "old hag".

So… what are your thoughts?

The old hag has no right to put that photograph in the yearbook. He was calm, collected… but it didn't last. Has she not seen the damage that had already been caused by the news of our marriage becoming common knowledge!? IS SHE BLIND!? Arianna flinched at the sudden rise in volume. SURELY SHE HAS SEEN THE EFFECT THAT SPECULATION HAS ON US BOTH! The stupid b- he stopped suddenly. Arianna had a feeling he was about to swear… In fact, it was quite clear.

Hieronymous? Are you alright?

I… she felt what she could only suppose was an indication of a sigh. I am sorry… I got carried away.

I'm rather getting used to it…

Silence.

Oh God I didn't mean it like that! I'm sorry!

It's quite alright. I perhaps deserved that.

No, you've got every right to be angry, and I know the anger wasn't actually aimed at me this time.

Your willingness to forgive me is slightly disconcerting.

Why?

You cannot deny that I have… hurt you in the past. His voice was oddly quiet, and full of regret.

Hieronymous… Arianna couldn't quite think what to say, and instead thought to change the subject. So, what happens if you can't talk to Professor Potsdam about this?

There is little we can do… I don't recall who took the picture, so we cannot pursue them.

Yeah, I don't remember either…

So we are at an impasse. I had already come to this conclusion, however I took your letter to mean you were expecting me to contact you, so I did.

Ah… Do you not think it was necessary? Arianna suddenly felt very uncomfortable, like she'd done something wrong, and it was too late to fix it. She felt a bit foolish.

Not particularly, though it is certainly easier to talk this way. Letters are slow, even if the school is not overly far from your home. A substantial conversation cannot be sustained in note form…

True. You kind of have to mention everything at once and hold about five conversation at once.

I suppose it is not dissimilar to that.

Sorry, by the way. I didn't mean to seem like I was expecting you to contact me.

Honestly, I had been considering it anyway. That certainly took her by surprise.

What?

He was silent for a moment…

Forgive me… that was a… private thought. Arianna blushed. He hadn't meant to actually communicate that. He had been considering contacting her like this anyway? Why?

Why were you considering contacting me? Still worried about my studies? She let the impression of a laugh form and go to him. He took a moment, gathering his thoughts.

One reason, certainly. Speaking of, you mentioned you have forgotten some of the Red Magic I taught you? Arianna couldn't help feeling like he'd slightly dodged the question… But she ignored it.

Yes… The Lightning spell, actually. I mean, it's not exactly a great requirement, but I don't want to forget anything.

Very well, do you have the book with you?

In my suitcase, yeah…

That doesn't seem very well hidden.

I sealed it with magic, it can't be opened without a spell.

Ah, good.

I'll go grab it. Funny… she thought, as she rolled from her bed. Why didn't I think of studying at night, when my parents are asleep?

I hope it doesn't become a habit. You should not lose sleep over this. Most wildseeds manage to retain at least the most part of their lessons over the summer.

I know…

She remained silent as she pulled her suitcase down from the top cupboard of her wardrobe and laid it on the ground, holding her hand against it and muttering the incantation for Open.

Give me a minute… I think the Red Magic book is at the bottom… She began rooting through, picking books out and placing them on the floor. Aha! Found i- wait what…?

Are you alright?

Um… There's something at the bottom of my case, I don't remember packing anything like that… She pulled the rest of the books out of the case, feeling a tinge of worry through the connection. Finally, she reached for the item that covered the bottom of her case… It was white, and the material felt familiar. Arianna frowned as she pulled it out, and her eyes widened as she realised what it was. Oh my god…

What is it?

It's… uh… my wedding dress… She felt the blush creeping into her cheeks as she thought it.

What? I thought Petunia let you borrow… Oh damn that woman.

What?

Somehow, I think she might know about our… conversation… on that final Thursday.

She noticed the emphasis on "conversation"… Meaning the kiss… Her face, if possible, went even redder.

Yes… the kiss as well…

I… I didn't… She hadn't tried to communicate that. Her face was burning now.

You aren't yet used to using Farspeak… It can be difficult to separate private thoughts from thing you wish to communicate.

Oh… Well, I guess we're even?

She felt the impression of him chuckle lighting, and smiled.

I suppose we are. Now, would you like to go through the spell?

After, quickly packing the dress and other books back in the bag and sealing it, Arianna sat back on her bed and opened the book.

They spent most of the evening talking about the intricacies of controlling lightning, and how it was one of the purest forms of energy. When Arianna finally slipped into sleep, she had the book clutched in her hands, and the connection faded, but not before Hieronymous could say Sleep well.

Okay, so they're talking through Farspeak now :D btw, I'm a fluff maniac, anyone who's read my Sherlock or Cabin Pressure fics knows that :') But I'm gonna try not to make them OOC :) Reviews, as always, are welcome x