Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cassirin 
"No," he said carefully, his focus on the dirt in his hands. "I've always been very careful too, but I don't think that not getting in trouble equates to a lack of living. Who says that you can only live by taking chances in ways that break the rules? Aren't there emotional and physical chances to take that wouldn't earn anyone's ire?" He peeked at her a bit. "Aren't you supposed to be brave?"
Anna watched Copernicus as he focused on the dirt in his hands. She wondered if he was just absentmindedly doing that, or if he was one of those people who couldn't talk about something personal while looking someone in the eye. Figuring out Copernicus Kettleburn had suddenly turned into Anna's newest ambition. "I'm taking an emotional chance now," she answered. "I don't talk about my feelings much...to
anyone. Is it odd to you that a Gryffindor...a prefect...feels the need to wear a mask most of the time? I mean...," she said, suddenly finding herself staring down at her own handful of dirt, "does anyone really know the real me? The one whose more afraid of making a bad grade than facing a Chinese Fireball? Or the one who likes to throw jelly slugs on the walls of trains?" she asked, laughing softly. "Am I brave, though? If bravery is thinking outside of the box, then yes, I am; but if bravery is going out and accomplishing something wonderful...something heroic, then I guess I've never had that opportunity, Copernicus."