Zin nodded, realizing that she probably wasn’t going to win the argument over the underwater sunrise. She just hoped that she’d piqued his interest to watch it, at least once. Then she blinked slowly at his question, her eyes dropping toward her dress which was caked in mud, and her shoes, which were far beyond saving. She giggled. “Are you offering to rescue me from class, Olixander?” She tilted her head as she was only now realizing how ridiculous she might look, splattered with mud nearly everywhere. She was lucky it wasn’t in her hair. “I really ought to change before class.”

It was true. People already thought her to be a bit odd, and she really didn’t want to explain herself to anyone. She didn’t seem embarrassed so much as resigned to her fate; if there was one thing Hogwarts had taught her, it was that grace was optional when mud was involved.

Zinnia gave his arm a light squeeze, although she didn't let go of him. “I think you should escort me back to the tower, purely out of chivalry, of course.” The teasing lilt returned as she turned to look at him. Zin didn’t often skip class, but she felt being covered in mud was enough reason to this time around. She wasn’t going to make a habit of it, of course.

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