Did he ALWAYS have a choice? He guessed, thinking about it, that whatever he did in this situation, it was always going to be his choice, even if he went to see her purely because he knew he would regret it for the rest of his life if he didn't. It was still HIS decision, right? He sighed and shook his head. It was all too confusing.

Miranda, however, was making light of it and for that he was eternally grateful. He managed a small smile at her jesting over his none stop prodding and poking to get someone to help him get some wood from the Willow... which, incidentally, he still had not achieved. No one in school was stupid enough to assist him – hey, maybe he could ask Torin . Heh. He found himself elbowing Miranda playfully when she sighed oh so dramatically, a smirk starting to play on his lips.

Rather eager? She sounded desperate. Part of Oliver wanted to punish her by ignoring her completely. But then what? He would stress for the rest of his days that he had driven her to do something.. stupid. Gulp. She was never the strongest or most balanced person. “I know. I guess I knew as soon as I read it I would go. I'll regret it forever if I don't.” He squeezed Miranda's hand – he just needed a gentle nudge in the right direction, and it seemed the girl who knew him the best was the one to do it. He looked at her and swallowed. “I-if I go... would you come with me?” Because Oliver was a giant coward and couldn't do this alone.

Was it cold? Oliver shivered involuntarily. “You fancy going inside?” He nodded towards the castle with a grim expression on his face. It wasn't cold – Oliver was just emotional. The Great Hall was bound to be empty because everyone was out enjoying the sun.