ɢᴜɪʟᴛʏ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ ⎮ ᴅ.ᴍ.

⌈CHAPTER 61 ⎮⎮ IN THE CARDS⌋

Esme Ambrose (POV)

My potions project was coming up very fast along with our so called "short" exam. I didn't understand why we needed the stress of both but to pile more on top it, Royce was supposed to be my partner for this project.

We sit next to each other but don't say a word, it hasn't been hard since all we do in this class are lectures at least for now.

I can tell he's avoiding me too as the days go by. Honestly, I hate to avoid him like this but a part of me still hasn't forgiven him for what happened with Draco.

Nothing else has happened between us which has left me in a confusing spot. After our kiss he offered to walk me back to my dorm, we said goodnight and that was it. That happened two days ago and I haven't seen him except at dinner.

I thought about what Anzac said, that's what's really stopping me from talking to Royce. 

"He might not show it but you picking someone like that over him- he'll be hurt."

That's not what I'm doing at all, I'm not picking anyone over anybody. I would never do something like that.

"Miss Ambrose?"

Shit, I didn't even hear the question. "Yes?"

"Your answer?" Professor Slughorn repeated.

"Right... well um-"

"It's Boomslang skin professor." Royce ended up answering.

It was the first time I actually looked and made eye contact with him till he quickly looked away.

"Very well, thank you Mr. Kingston." Slughorn looked at me, giving me the sign to pay attention.

I went back to writing the rest of the differences and similarities with almost every potion you could think of. Class was about to end but before Slughorn excused us he asked, "I need everyone here to tell me who you will be partnering with for the final project, no changes after this."

I looked at Royce who was still gathering his things, "Yes Esme?"

It wasn't in the friendliest tone, making me even more nervous than I already was, "Sorry I just-"

He chuckled in a mocking way, "You still want me as your partner?"

"Well I..." I wasn't sure myself, not after Royce was practically death staring me down waiting for an answer.

"Fine." He smirked, "Professor! Miss Ambrose and I will be working together."

I didn't even have time to agree with that, "Wait actually-"

"Ah that's marvelous, seeing as you both are at the top of this class I know you two will be just fine." Slughorn was throwing compliments at us it was hard to turn down, "Such brilliant minds."

I grinned since that was the only option, Royce was smiling back, "Please Professor that's all Miss Ambrose."

As soon as Slughorn left to write the names of the other students I asked, "Why did you do that?"

"Oh sorry? Did you not want me as your partner?"

"I wasn't sure... look it's more complicated than that." I whisper-shouted.

"Sure it is." He swung his bag over his shoulder then exiting out of the class, I followed him right out.

I thought he was going to continue storm off but he turned around instead, "Esme- I'm very sorry about what had happened, okay? I wish that never took place." He paused once I looked at him, "But seriously... it's only Malfoy."