[Mid Day]

Delilah has having one of those emotional moments when you realize soon it will all be over. Soon it would be time to hop back on that train and start the summer. Time was just going by too quickly, but she was admittedly ready for a decrease in homework and an increase in free time. Of course unlike many privileged boys and girls at the school she would have to work near full time, with her brother. They came from a poor muggle family and the exchange on the wizard coins was troublesome for a poor family. There was a valid reason as to why Dagan and Delilah still shared a room even though they are teenagers. There was no room in the house and their parents were against one sleeping in the living room. After so many years of the living arrangements it was just an accepted fact to the twins. Sometimes Delilah didn’t even think about it until the shock on a friends face when she told them about this fact.

It was nice to think she would be heading home soon, but it also meant seeing a limited amount of her friends. Delilah knew she would see Waker, they had made plans to do so. They had even gone so far as to agree to sample some fire whiskey before the summer was out. Delilah would demand to see Atticus because the very thought of spending an entire summer without his company was agony. Delilah still had no clue what their relationship was or how to define it but she knew that she could not spend the entire summer without seeing his face.

Another thing she would miss would be quidditch. Living in a muggle area of Manchester made the practicing of quidditch impossible. She would miss the pitch, and miss that spot in front of the hoops. This was why Delilah was standing in the middle of the pitch. She had just hopped off her broom, which was at her feet, and was giving it one last glance. Delilah knew she should be studying and that there was still time to say goodbye but she just felt the need to be outside right now. She took a deep breath before deciding to sit down on the ground and just take a moment.

Tugging at his shirt a little, Atticus made an attempt to look semi-decent as he made a search for Delilah. The boy found that he was less awkward around her since remembering day, and their fateful kiss. In fact, even though their status hadn't been decided officially he even went to the trouble of finding her a gift for her Birthday. Finding a shop willing to do what he wanted he used some of his savings and purchased it. Though it sounded complicated, Atticus found the whole process easier than going about from shop to shop looking for something similar.

Clutching the long black box he slipped it into his robes, found his wand, and made his way out of the Slytherin Dungeons. First he looked in some of the usual spots for that time of day. The Great Hall being his first stop he was surprised to see mostly everyone in there were just rummaging about their plates and none of them being Ms. Maddox. Losing interest he grabbed a piece of bread and walked out eating the spot of food as his feet guided him towards both the library and then eventually in the right direction.

The Pitch had been his last choice, not just because he never cared for Quidditch, but because he hadn't felt like venturing outside once more. However other than waiting outside of Ravenclaw and threatening one of the little sprites venturing in for information on her where-abouts, this seemed more likely to go over well. Atticus rubbed his eyes as he made his way into the sunlight. Grumbling something about too bright he wandered in the direction of the famed Hogwarts Pitch.

There was a plethera of Famous Quidditch players who got there start among those very rings. His little brother told him all about it. Atticus even made an effort to give a damn by reading Quidditch through the ages. Well he got about halfway through, started doodling in the margins and got a rash of crap when he returned the book to the library. Who knew they would be so bloody touchy about such a thing.

Spotting the girl he had been searching for a snide smirk crossed his lips, "Oi girlie aren't you supposed to be some sort of Ravenclaw? I thought they were all off studying or working on essays or did you miss that when you were sorted?" Walking up towards her in almost a trot he tried not to look down at the broom. It wasn't that he hated flying, he was halfway decent at it. However the idea of having to do that all the time and not being about to draw wasn't in his taste at all.

Delilah knew she should be inside studying for her coming exams as yesterday was a write off and rightfully so. Still her drive to study was not strong, like usual wanting to see how long she could really push it off. Waker was bound to be on her case the moment she stepped foot in a small radius of her, maybe that was why she was at the pitch rather than the library or the common room. She knew Waker meant well and often liked her as a study buddy but she could add more stress to her situation by telling her to study. Even though Waker was her friend and she respected her opinion she still didn’t want to be told to do something and it made her want to study less.

As she dwelled on the homework she needed to do and the fact she would miss quidditch a voice caught her off guard. She turned her head to see Atticus and a smile appeared upon her face. “I guess I missed that memo.” She joked with an amused tone. “How are you?” Delilah asked as she pulled herself up from the spot on the ground and dusted off her clothing. She was really happy to see Atticus, but then that probably had to do with the racing of her heart and the warm flush she felt when Atticus was around. She really was afraid to make whatever this was between them official because what if he hurt her and didn’t want that official position as boyfriend. Commitment was a complicated thing.

“Shouldn’t you be studying too? This it the time of year that not only the Ravenclaws are found studying, their head in a book or sending mis-performed spells around classroom hitting an unsuspecting person.” Delilah shrugged her shoulders wondered should she go over and kiss Atticus? She hated not know what to do about her feelings.

Atticus should be studying, he should be doing school work, hell he should be doing  a lot of things he wasn't doing at that moment. Instead of following the instructions of his dearest and oldest friend Nicola, Atticus instead was off searching for the female who turned his life on it's ear. There was little hope of recovering the former foot hold he had on his sanity before Delilah, and he was hopeless to fight the pull. Though his grumpiness kept her on her toes, Atticus found himself letting down the walls he built when they were around eachother. That was how things were supposed to go, simple attraction, nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing came easy to Atticus, so he hardly figured this would be one of those situations.

"The warden let me off for good behavior, as if you could imagine such a thing," he replied blandly. Atticus let his cool blue eyes due the walking over her facial features curious to what was locked away in that head of hers. Nicola had given up trying to have him write his charms essay because she could see he preoccupied by the black box he fiddled with the day before. Today she didn't even attempt to wrangle his attention like he had expected her to try. It was a much welcomed break from being responsible. His standard break from life was becoming longer and longer.

Walking a little closer he pulled the black box from his pocket, "Besides I told her I had to bring someone a gift..." he wasn't exactly looking to be smooth, but he was looking to give her the gift the next moment he saw her before he lost his nerve or thought it was stupid. The box was adorned with a green and silver ribbon his mother had suggested when she heard what he was up to. Oliver had a big mouth, and decided to write their mum about how Atticus was acting off, even for him. "Happy Birthday, suppose it's belated now but I couldn't find you yesterday..." Atticus held out the gift with a smirk of satisfaction pulling on the corner of his lips.

“You off for good behaviour?” Her voice oozed mock surprise and amusement, whether she was playing it up to be a bit of a flirt or it was genuine was even a mystery to herself. “Well whether it was good behaviour or not I am glad you are here.” Was that too sappy? Too emotional for their state of relationship? Delilah didn’t even know what this was and was currently beating herself up about perhaps treading on less than solid ground.

Bring someone a gift? Well that was sweet. Was this just a friendly gift or was this something more? Delilah was contemplating this as she smiled sweetly looking at the black box tied with a ribbon. He had put effort into this much more than she would have expected of a boy, but then Atticus always seemed to surprise her. There were so many things about Atticus that Del was uncovering and she was enjoying every minute of it.

“Thank you Atticus,” she said as she slowly started to pull the ribbon undone trying to subdue the excitement she felt of getting a present from Atticus. Delilah felt the need to keep her composure and not make too big of a deal out of it. Of course things immediately changed once she opened the black box and saw what was inside. “I…” she had no idea what to say. This necklace was no doubt designed for her because where would you kind a necklace with a pendant of clogs attached to it. She loved it, there little joke displayed for her to remember. No matter how much she tells him her ballet shoes are not clogs that is still what he calls them. “I love it.” She said softly as if she had lost her voice. She was honestly amazed that Atticus would have gone to the trouble.

"I am known to behave now and then. I have to say it's less likely to occur but it does happen," he crossed his arms as he watched her take the box in her hands. She had to be curious what he might have gotten her. The fact that her birthday had been approaching was no mystery to him, he listened to the grapevine as it blathered on about the usual nonsense. The birthday of the Maddox twins had been no exception to the rumor mill. What had been new was the growing conversations he had heard about Delilah and the 'odd' Slytherin bloke, who he assumed was himself.  "I figured you would be glad that I made an attempt to track you down."

They hadn't exactly outlined where their relationship was headed. A gift didn't seem like a stretch for friends. Well friends that kiss. Err or friends that hold hands. Atticus furrowed his brow as he pushed away the questioning thoughts. Was it too soon, was he too late. What he knew was that this was a whole different territory, all his former girlfriends had been in Slytherin or more like minded. Delilah was different, very very different.

Now to be gossip fodder that was rich. To think he was a conversation piece. There was a first time for everything. Other than of course the Art Booth. It was the most often he had heard his named uttered or coming off the tongue of a stranger. That was the limelight he didn't like being pushed into, however he did enjoy the recognition.

Though he wasn't exactly known for being romantic, maybe more creepy by social norm standards. What he lacked in romantic skills he gained in observation and wit. The gift was bought partly because it was a birthday gift for someone he fancied and more so because it was a little inside joke the pair had shared since the first time she fell on-top of him in the classroom. That night she thought he was off his rocker, and even a stalker. The aire had certainly changed for them since then. "I figured there was no way to make a charm of you tripping over yourself without it looking a little inappropriate," Atticus attempted to play off his generosity with his generally sarcastic nature.

“You know you didn’t have to track me down,” she paused smiling at him. “Though I am glad you did.” Delilah was glad he had tracked her down because that meant he felt something and she was not some passing fancy. He was at least a friend, even if she wanted something more than that. Delilah was still far too nervous to admit she wanted to be in a relationship with him. Del wished she had the courage to ask before she lost her chance though.

“I am curious,” she glanced at Atticus. “How did you find out it was my birthday.” It was refreshing to say ‘my birthday’ rather than ‘our birthday’ as Atticus was only acknowledging her birthday. Delilah loved her brother and nobody should ever say she doesn’t but she liked being thought of out of a pair ever now and then. Her brother, especially in quidditch, often overshadowed her and it drove her nuts. It was really nice to just be thought of as a single not a pair by Atticus.

"I figured there was no way to make a charm of you tripping over yourself without it looking a little inappropriate,"

“Haha very funny,” she rolled her eyes. Yes she tripped over herself, or in actual fact Atticus far to often. What a way to really meet for the first time by physically falling over someone, only to do it again the next time. Their first meeting had left a distinct mark on her mind though, enough to think him weird but only over time to have those feelings change, and change they did. “Thank you Atticus.” She said taking a step forward and nervously placing a kiss on his lips. Was it still okay to kiss? Did he still like the idea of that? Why was liking someone so complicated.

Atticus put up his hand as if to stop the words before she even bothered to say them. "There is a lengthy list of things I didn't have to do in my life, but what I want to do is a completely different situation. In fact, I found myself wanting to track you down which shocked even myself." Bringing his hand back down to his pocket he slipped it in still puzzled with his actions as of late. For the most part he wasn't motivated towards seeking anyone out, other than his two best female friends, Atticus tended to keep to himself.

Delilah seemed to bring out brand new feelings, not that he was certain he was prepared for them or enjoyed them entirely, Atticus figured they meant he wasn't made of stone. That would be a pleasant surprise for his family, mostly his mother who has been trying to find him the perfect match. What she had no idea was who he was canoodling while in Hogwarts. If she had any clue she might very well go ballistic, to think her son cavorting with a muggleborn. It was unseemly and would not do. That wasn't why he did it, it wasn't like he asked for her to kiss him and open the flood gates, that was all Delilah's doing. Atticus was quite content with burying whatever the heck was growing inside his stomach with the rest of his emotions. Delilah just wouldn't seem to allow it.

“How did you find out it was my birthday.”

It figured as much. Nothing ever seemed to come easy for Atticus, not if it could be helped anyway. "I have ears and a brain that can connect things," he replied grinning a smug little smirk. Atticus could care less about her brother, for all he knew that boy was being attacked by the squid at that very moment. So no he had no interest in Dagan's birthday it was Delilah's he had focused on instead, for obvious reasons.

She stepped a little closer and his smirk was met with her soft red lips. The confidence that had been building in their twisted relationship was unraveling as they kissed. Atticus still found himself confused by the strange pull she had on him, it wasn't like he had experienced it with anyone else before. Not like this anyway.  Atticus kissed her back and when she paused he allowed his hands to leave his pockets and slide around her trim waist. If he was doing something wrong he figured she would tell him soon enough. When their kiss broke he looked at her a little choked, "Did you have a nice birthday..." was that small talk?

He wanted to track her down and wanted to find her? He was shocked that he wanted to find her, well she was equaled shocked by the news too. She wondered if he would ever decide that she wasn’t good enough for him, or if he would decide he was not interested in her. She was actually waiting for the day that would happen, when the Slytherin wanted someone from his own house. Delilah was very afraid of this because she could tell she was already becoming attached to the idea of Atticus and that meant she could get hurt.

“Right ears and a brain, forgot you had those.” Delilah teased as she watched that smug smirk spread across his handsome features. What stunned her more than noticing his features and how attractive he was, was the fact she had not noticed them before. How had she not noticed the way his lips formed around words, or his eyes be such a perfect colour. How could she not notice him so profoundly like she did now? It was as if she was learning to memorize the features of Atticus like he had so secretly done to her. Of course she couldn’t draw a picture of him, without making him look horridly cartoonish, but she could perhaps take a picture of him with her new camera?

Of course all thoughts of snapping a photo of Atticus were out of her head as soon as her lips touched his. Kissing Atticus was so different than kissing George and really that was all she had to compare too. She felt more alive and real when kissing Atticus, like it was more genuine. She felt his arm around her waist as one of her arms draped around his neck. “It was nice, spent most of it with my brother and Waker.” Granted the idea of having spent it with Atticus sounded like a good idea now and she wasn’t sure why she had not thought of it yesterday. “I missed you though.” Was that the right thing to say? Was she supposed to say things like that? She definitely meant it though.

Of course he had wanted to find her. Who else would he look for? If he had searched for Nicola she was probably too busy with Gavin, doing that nonsense he knew she was doing with him. That affection thing he wasn't so used to, that he used to pick on her for he was guilty of doing now with Delilah. Ditching out on his friends to be a little closer to her, it was something he wasn't exactly known for. Ava had been dogging him since then, wondering what he is up to and nagging him to fill her in on all the "details" too bad Atticus was more the silent type if anything.

He stood under the impression people should keep their business to themselves, and what he was up to was of no one else's interest but him. As far as Nicola knew he was off skulking and drawing other people, as far as Ava knew, he was dodging her and the other Slytherins blathering on about Quidditch and exams. Neither had guess he had grown to fancy someone, especially not someone from another house.

"Yes the ability to make connections is not lost on me, a shock I'm sure" he teased back nudging her lightly. Delilah was attractive, and had a lot of lovely features. Such physical attributes that caused a stirring of feeling and desire to draw. Atticus found her intriguing and he couldn't believe that she had a way of making him want her more, as awkward as that concept could be for him.

Blushing hard when she placed her lips on his it was like he forgot what he was thinking. The blood was rushing to his head and he had to admit the light feeling was not entirely disgusting, instead it was enjoyable. Nodding, "Spent time with Waker and your brother? Sounds like a rip roaring day indeed," he replied coolly. Waker didn't seem to care much about him from their interactions, and her brother, well Atticus didn't care much about him. Atticus found Dagan to be an unnecessary obstacle to get to his goal, which was being closer to Delilah. "Really, you missed me?" She was still there, red lips, beautiful eyes, licking his own lips he tried to tell himself not to stare at her ruby colored mouth. "Suppose I missed you as well..." taking her hand in his, he laced his  fingers with hers.

As she stood so close to Atticus she realized just how odd this might appear, especially considering their history together. Their first true meeting left a bad taste in her own mouth, purely from the shock of finding out someone knew such intimate details of her features. In leaving a bad taste she also tainted Waker’s opinion, which now was less than appealing to Delilah because she had become so drawn towards the strange boy who had once drawn her without her knowledge. Delilah still often wondered if she was still a major source of inspiration, and if he drew her as much. These thoughts often came to a head when she was lying in bed thinking about Atticus, he had stolen much of her thoughts lately.

“It was a good time,” Delilah said quietly as she looked up at Atticus. She figured that neither person was his particular favourite, which did give a bit of an awkward air to the situation. When Delilah was so close to both people but she was irrevocably falling for Atticus. What was she to do other than follow her heart? It would just go with the rebel image she had made for herself, so it wasn’t completely out of character, and she could just not deny her need for Atticus’ company.

“Of course I missed you,” she thought it was such a strange thing to ask. Even hearing that he supposedly missed her was enough to make her internally squeal. It also made her wonder if he was just trying to play it cool or if he was as indifferent as he sounded. Delilah wish she could speak boy, she wished she could truly understand. Her question was somewhat answered as their fingers linked together. “So…” she let the word linger awkwardly in the air as she just looked at Atticus.

It was moments like this that Atticus found himself wishing he was graced with the social skills both his brother William and Oliver possessed. To look at the pair of them, you would see the Pennyapple genes in full bloom, well mannered in some aspects but also very vocal and social to the point that having three sons with such ambitions and verbal talents might have been greedy. Not that greed was something the Pennyapples as a whole were against, just saying that it would have been foolish to expect all three sons to emulate their parents.

There were times when Atticus would pick up a Quidditch magazine and see his brother's face splashed over the cover and he would cringe. What was expected of him was something similar, to do well and make a proper name for himself. That's what his mother claimed she wanted only for her boys. That and of course finding the perfect pureblood match to keep their lineage clean. Ah, once more Atticus looked to toe the line of his mother's wishes and desires and was going to end up a royal disappointment. That is of course if Oliver hadn't spilled the beans and told his mother what he was up to at the moment.

Oliver had seemed a little too self absorbed in the recent weeks to realize who he was supposed to keep his eye on anyway. Which was fine with him. The less his brother told about his activities the more in the clear Atticus remained. He had almost been surprised by the lack of rumors swirling about on his behalf, but he reminded himself that making news was not his aspirations.

"Good", he replied coming back to the present with Delilah holding his hand. Atticus wasn't going to let his past dictate for him who he was going to fancy. If he had done that, all this time he might have fancied a bird like Ava or Nicola. Since neither of those panned out, it looked like he was going to find his own in this world. Surprisingly, Delilah seemed receptive to the idea, at least she kissed like she was receptive...

Feeling out of place on the pitch he looked about, "Want to walk towards the lake?" Atticus hated standing in the middle of open spaces like that. His matters were private. This was considered a private matter by him at any rate. "So indeed..." he was always quiet during these situations, but he was pleased she liked the gift and this hand holding felt good. It was something he felt he could do a little more of without discomfort.