Cael spun around with a start at the sound of a girl's voice. Backing up against the wall, he pulled his hands away from his heart and shoved them into the folds of his sleeves. Willow...

"Come to see your owl then?" he forced a fake laugh between his teeth in an attempt to act natural. He didn't think the owls bought it, much less her.

"Everything's fine, just sending a letter to my family is all. You know how they worry and whatnot..." he trailed off, staring wistfully out toward the Forbidden Forrest through the open window. If only he could find a way to get out there without getting caught. The risk of expulsion wasn't worth it. He'd just have to wait for Marcus' reply and hope for the best.

Cael cleared his throat, turning back to the girl in front of him. "It's been a while, Willow. I don't think we've seen each other since Divination and we haven't talked since the train. How've you been?"