Sixth year guys dorm.

"Hi. Listen," she stood up. "I know, that there are things I do that you probably hate, and you never say anything, but.. It's sort of rude when you hit people."

Serenity shook her head. "Okay, I don't care if you hit your brother, he deserves it, but I'm afraid you're going to get in trouble for it, alright? And I don't care if anyone bleeds, but if you get hurt for something stupid like smacking a person who deserves it with a book, then it'll make me sad too. So... Don't! Just-- Please!"

"He deserved it. He shouldn't have been telling people such a... disgusting... lie."

"Well it's true. But you shouldn't hit your friends. Charlie, he sort of deserved it too.. You-- You didn't really do it, did you!?"

"Of course not!" he snapped.

Serenity mumbled something about Elroy probably doing it himself.

"Anyways.. Is someone feeling grumpy?" She sat down at the end of his bed, eyebrows raised.

"Rather annoyed."

"I would be too. Rumors aren't fun. Are you feeling OK? It's flu season."

"Yeah, fine."

"Are you sure? If you get sick, I'd feel guilty. Sore throat? Itchy eyes nose or throat? Does your stomach hurt?"

"I'm perfectly fine."

Serenity stood up, feeling his forehead. "Are you SURE? You've been cooped up in your room a lot lately."

"Yes, Serenity, I'm sure."

"Alright, fine. But if you get sick, go to the hospital wing."

"Hm."

Serenity was silent.

Then she piped up.
"When you kissed me at the Yule, was it because you wanted to or because Olivia told you to?"

"..."

"Well?"

He smiled and kept reading.

"Second, do you think I'm smart?"

He kept smiling.

"You aren't going to answer, just smile, but thirdly, do you think I'm pretty?"

He kept smiling, but he was looking at her now instead of the book.

Serenity wasn't paying attention, she was humming Our Song and looking outside at the snow. "What? Sorry.."

"Nothing, nothing." He resumed reading.