Was anyone else too hot? Or was that just her? Putting her hands over her cheeks to hide a deep red blush, she took several deep breaths and a drink of water before standing up and shooting a glance at King Blue Eyes to assess his mood. The elder boy was understandably grumpy and she didn't want this ruining his mood even more! And yes, the second year was praying that he either hadn't heard or was laughing like she was dying to do. Wait, would laughing be worse? She kind of felt like laughing would be worse. Maybe Ophelia could figure out a charm or spell or potion in the next ten seconds to melt into the floor and live like Smeagol for the rest of her life. Ophelia was pretty sure that her parents wouldn't miss her too much and the food here was good so there was really no downside to this. Now if only her body could actually melt and she could be a tiny hobo living in Hogwarts. A Hogwarts hobo. A Hogbo. Nope, that name was lame and now she was ashamed.

But the twelve year old knew the Slytherin WANTED her to blush, so she had to try her best not to. There was no way the blonde was going to give him the satisfaction. Ignoring the nagging feeling of pennies at the back of her throat that usually signaled puke, the preteen stood up and smiled at the much taller boy, willing her knees to keep standing. Dear god, just keep standing. Her eyes darted around the Great Hall, refusing to look back at Austin. Because that would ruin everything she was about to say. Because maaaaybbbe the Eagle liked the other Eagle a lot. And maybe she was afraid that this hurt would hurt his feelings. And if this wasn't school, Ophelia would totally be punching the elder boy out. Gregoire, not Austin. It was treason to punch a king.

"I don't have a CRUSH on him! He's my good friend. I like food and sleep and that's it! Do you want me to point out all of your crushes in here? I can walk you over to a few right now if you'd like." And the smaller kid raised an eyebrow and looked at him as cooly as possible. Because making a scene or crying was what eleven year old Ophelia would do. She was changed now. Older and wiser in the ways of the world. But still, was it really hot in here? Or was it just her? Was that sweat crawling up the back of her uniform? Reaching for her cup, she took another sip of water, looking as grown up and not nervous as possible. Because you DIDN'T just oust someone's not-so-crushy- crush in the Great Hall like that?

Also, that retching? She would appreciate it if the silent and disgusting thing could stop now thank you. Merlin, body, stop being so over dramatic. He humiliated you, he didn't punch you in the gut! Although, the feelings were notably similar.