Even that much cheer made Alfie feel even worse about what was going to happen. He didn't know what he'd do if Aud hated him - she'd been his best friend since first year, when he'd tried to make friends with everyone who was in his sister's room...
He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked silently, sullenly through the first few hallways toward the Owlery. He didn't want to be the one who started, really.