"Sorry..." said a quiet, light voice, emanating from the figure atop of him.
Everett found himself looking into the silver eyes of Oswella Greer, a sixth year Ravenclaw the Oxely boy was particularly fond of, who had fallen head first onto him with her face pressed against his chest. If it had been any other Ravenclaw, Everett would have just smiled and went about his business, but since it was Oswella, he couldn't help but be embarrassed, even though the girl had been the one to run into him. For a moment, he was taken caught by surprise of actually hearing the girl speak, which she rarely did of her own free will. He smiled as Oswella struggled back onto her feet and began to get up again. However, once his hands were braced against the floor behind him, the black-haired girl tripped a second time. As she fell, Everett tried to catch her, but ended up with his arms around her as she toppled back on top of him, this time her face was hovering mere inches from his own.
The Oxely boy couldn't help but notice how cute Oswella looked in her clumsy stupor, even if it did mean he would have a couple of bruises the next morning. Everett smiled as he noticed her cheeks flourish with pink and loosened his arms from around her waist.
"That's quite alright Ozzy," he said, giving the blushing Oswella a light smile, "You're a tichy little thing, so you didn't hurt me.. Much." He was hoping the slightly playful tone of his voice would relieve the pangs of embarrassment they were both feeling.
Cerridwen cast a curious glance at Will as his younger sister and her friend strutted away, wondering how one of the most caring men she had ever met was related to someone like that. She had fought the urge to pull out her wand and tell Stella to leave, or else, but the calm look on Will's face had stopped her. Cerridwen was about to open her mouth and attempt to say something of comfort to Will, but before should could, Adalaide was walking up to them and speaking.
"I'm sorry I'm late," she said to them both before turning her attention to Will, "I saw your sister heading down the stairs,"
Nodding, Cerridwen spoke up before Will could.
"She was just here," she told Adalaide, "A real cheeky little girl, if you ask me. Doesn't seem to have a sense of manners about her. Outright demanded Will bring her sweets from Honeydukes because 'Mummy said you have to'. Blimey, are you sure you're even related to her, Will?"













