GUILT WAS EATING IVY ALIVE AS SHE STEPPED OFF THE TRAIN AND INTO THE CARRIAGES. Ivy took many deep breaths to calm herself down and looked at the gift in her shoulder bag. It wasn't nearly as good as the gift Percy had gotten her but at least this one wouldn't try to poke his eyes out of his sockets.

Ivy cringed, imagining Percy opening her gift over and over until she couldn't take it anymore. She frowned - something she had done frequently since Christmas - and thought over her apology. It would be a lot of work.

------

Ivy found him the next morning, first thing, at breakfast. She walked over to him and tapped his shoulder. There was a small mark in the corner of his eye and Ivy couldn't hold back a wince.

"Percy, I am so, so sorry about my present! I swear I only did it because I was angry at you and I thought you had done the same. Obviously that wasn't the case and I feel so bad and you honestly have no right to forgive me. What you got me was so thoughtful and I hope you know that I loved the fudge and I wear the jumper all the time. I never intended any of this to happen. I am so sorry please forgive me." Ivy took a deep breath before sheepishly pulling out a package from behind her back. "I know you probably don't trust me; I mean the last thing you opened from me almost tore your eyes out. Just please..."

She hadn't realised that Percy had stood up whilst she was speaking. He took the present from her hands slowly and opened it, as if he was afraid something would try and debilitate him again. That was not the case; he pulled out a collection of law books and a wristwatch.

"I know it's not as personal as mine but it was such short notice and it was Christmas and shops were short on good things. I'm not creative so making something wouldn't have been the best idea. I was also really worried that you would have the books I got you but then I remembered that I asked my mum for them. She has the ministry official versions and I know you want to work in the ministry so I asked her if she had spare copies."

"I love them, thank you." Percy smiled at her, putting the books in his bag. "I forgive you."

Ivy held three fingers to her chest and looked at him. "I promise there will be nothing from me that will cause you harm again."

"One would hope so."

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Ivy walked off to the Ravenclaw table to sit with Leo and Luke.

------

"Ivy what the hell was that about?" Luke asked the moment she was close enough to hear him.

"I felt guilty about the present I sent so I got him a better one. I'm surprised he forgave me like that." Ivy looked at him confused. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh, no reason." Luke muttered, his eyes focused on one thing in particular - Leo - but unfortunately Ivy didn't notice that. "Hey! Leo that's mine!"

Leo smirked, taking a bite out of the toast. "Well, Lukie, you weren't paying attention. Might as well take advantage of that."

With a small smile, Luke snatched the toast from Leo and took a bite just to spite him. Ivy laughed and sipped her gillywater. "You guys are so immature. Now come on Luke, we have to get to transfiguration. We'll see you in history of magic, Leo."

------

Transfiguration was beginning to get boring and yet, Ivy couldn't stop smiling. Even Luke was starting to freak out.

"Ivy, seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?" Luke whispered, nudging her.

Rolling her eyes, Ivy replied. "Nothing Luke. Pay attention; we don't want another moustache incident."

McGonagall looked over at the two talking Hufflepuffs - as if sensing what they were talking about - and gave them a warning glance. Ivy and Luke promptly shut up.

"Turn to page 74 of your textbooks and begin taking notes."

Ivy glanced around feeling eyes on her but she couldn't see anyone so she continued on with her work. While her thoughts trailed from the lesson to a certain handmade sweater, Ivy failed to notice the little hearts she had doodled all over her notes.

( 746 words )