I am actually shocked that he took that route. I mean clinging tighter, the other would have been to completely cut himself off and be thoroughly cold. I like it this way.

She felt him cling tighter and, without question, she held him tighter too, not saying a word. Instead, she allowed her mind to wander into thoughts of the next day, the ball, all the excitement of the students. No doubt Kristi would be going, but she did not want her to go alone. Although she didn't strike Marcella as a "girlie" girl, she assumed she'd probably enjoy the pre-activities before the ball, as most girls did. With Snape going soon, perhaps it was wise to bond more with Kristi.

Sighing, she felt his hand in her hair and closed her eyes in contentment, a small murmer escaping her lips. Deciding to change the subject to an entirely different matter, she asked, "So, shall you be teaching tommorow or are you going to skive off?"