I apologize if this seems abrupt, but I feel like I need to write about this before I do something rash.

Do you remember back in March when you spoke of making a fool of yourself in front of a gentleman you may have liked? Well, I am afraid I may have made the same mistake as you, and I am not sure how to approach it. He’s well… he’s an acquaintance, not quite a friend, but someone I trust enough to seek out when I am having troubles with something. He’s saved me from the goose that patrols Padmore Park, and last November he helped return my wallet that was lost, plus bought me a meal after I realized I didn’t have any coins on me. Overall he is a gentleman and I enjoy the time I’ve spent around him, but I’ve never pursued anything for reasons I don’t wish to disclose. I hardly do know him. He’s not married, if that’s what you were thinking,

(Mainly I wish to be swept off my feet in whirlwind romance, a true fairy tale if you will, although as the years tick by I feel I may have to lower my standards if I ever wish to fall in love and have children. I want a lot, at least five, although seven would be ideal. It’s just a well rounded number, and my house was full growing up with all my sisters and I wish for my own children to have that as well.)

Anyhow, a couple days ago I went to him because someone was smashing all the pumpkins for the Halloween decoration contest in Hogsmeade, and my cousin and I spent a lot of time carving a giant one to perfection. Residential meant we couldn’t use magic, so it wasn’t as if I could carve another quickly to replace the one that was smashed. I went to my friend feeling that he could help, and he wanted to, Merlin did he want to, but I felt as if we were under a spell and I made a fool of myself in front of him.

Now I can’t look at him properly, and I blush every time I see him, so I actively avoid him when I can. Yesterday I almost knocked over a display in my haste to hide from him, although I don’t think he saw me… thank goodness for that. We haven’t spoken, not that I really expect us to, it’s not like I spoke to him often anyway, but it’s only a matter of time before I run into him again. How do you look someone you might like in the eyes after such an instance? I’m just not sure he wants a wife, not that I’m saying that’s where this is going. I’d just like to at least continue to be friendly with him without things being… awkward.

Sorry I’ve rambled, but it felt good to get it off my chest.

---