Chapter 17

I couldn't take it anymore. I raced downstairs and found Al standing on the hearth, gazing into the fire. He turned when he heard me, looking extremely nervous. I tossed his journal onto the couch and threw my arms around his neck, sobbing.

"Why don't you hate me?" I gulped.

"What? You know I never could hate you, Mae," he said, holding me tightly about the waist. He stroked my hair until I stopped crying.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered.

"Don't be," Al murmured in my ear.

"I didn't mean to do all that to you," I said, feeling incredibly guilty.

"It's not your fault; how were you to know?"

"It should've been totally obvious to me like it was to everyone else," I answered.

"Well, now that you know, we'll both be much happier, I think," Al said cheerfully.

"But I still feel terrible," I said. "How can I ever make it up to you?"

"I think I have an idea," Al said with a sly smile. He gently tilted my face towards his and slowly leaned down. His kiss was so pure it made me want to cry again.

When he pulled away, he said softly, "I've been waiting a long time for that."

I didn't reply; I was too busy initiating a snogfest.


The next day, I didn't need to tell Ella and Rose about the profound events of the night before. They took one look at us and figured it out. There was much rejoicing from Ella.

By Saturday, nearly everyone knew Al and I had snogged. Not many were surprised. "I knew it," Orion said smugly.

"You did not," I retorted. "You don't pay attention to anyone except Ella."

"You say that like it's a bad thing…"

"Sheesh," I said to Rose one day, "it's like we're getting married or something, the way everyone is acting."

"Well…," Rose said.

"What?"

"Everyone was waiting for ages for you two to get together, and we all think you will end up getting married someday."

"Who are all these people that are suddenly so interested in my life?"

"It's mostly because Al is Harry Potter's son. It makes him a bit famous by association."

"Right. Well, I have stuff to do," I said, leaving to take a walk with Al.

During our long walk we enjoyed the last remnants of the warm October weather. Al presented me with a rose, a ribbon tied on the stem.

"Wow, Al. I didn't know you were such a romantic," I said, blushing lightly.

"Well, I am," Al shrugged. "You might have known if I'd told you sooner-"

"Let's not get into that," I interrupted. "You know I feel bad enough already."

"I'm sorry," he said. "You're right. Let's just enjoy this, right now. I don't know what will happen in the future- you know I'm awful at Divinations- but whatever it is, I hope you're there."

I smiled up at him. "I hope so, too."


Sorry this chapter was so short. Please review! All Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling. All other characters (Ella, Mae, and such) are mine.