Avoiding, not hiding

Avis offered to just go by herself, but Andrei shook his head at that. He had promised that he was going to escort her to her dorms, not to the kitchen. And that's exactly what he planned on doing. "I mean if you turn to the left in that hallway, there's a set of stairs leading to the eight floor. It's quicker that way. And not that I doubt your coordination or anything, but I'll walk with you there anyway", said Andrei.

"Come just follow me", he said not really letting her answer or fight about his decision. They went through the hallway and just as Andrei said, there was a narrow flights of stairs on the left side. Soon, they had reached the eight floor and a door led them to the main hallway. From here he knew the Gryffindor common room was very near, not that he could have know it's exactly location or especially the password to get it. "I guess I'll be leaving you here. I'm sure I wouldn't be welcomed very well if I walked into the Gryffindor's dorm", he said with a laugh.

Now this was the dreadful part Andrei was trying to avoid, the goodbyes. What was he supposed to do? Just leave and say nothing, or kiss her on the cheek or what? The possibilities were endless. With a girl he was used to - usually pureblood Slytherin - he knew how to play his game. Everything was easy and simple, and he would very rarely lose. But with Avis, he had absolutely now idea how to even start. He couldn't predict her reactions like he could with the others. Maybe that was the reason he was attracted to her so much. After such a long time of boring dates and girls, he had almost forgot how fun it was to actually have to try hard for it.

"I want to see you again", said Andrei bluntly and honestly, as he decided that approach might work the best. Besides, there was no use playing extensive games now. He wanted to see her again and that was it.

Avis flinched; he was still up for that? She thought about saying that it was enough, she could easily find her way up there by herself, but he insisted.
She drew a deep breath. As a matter of fact she was delighted. It was really the first time a Slytherin would acompany her to the dorms without hesitating to do so. He was no prefect, and it wasn't his duty. And yet she was really thankful and when he turned his back towards her, she smiled quickly.

She followed him. Although she knew that she would rarely visit the kitchen and the dungeons, she remembered the ways and all the corners. With her picture memory it was rather easy to do so.
To be honest, she liked to walk with him. She had to admit that she enjoyed his company. Not only was he a good rival at some points, but he was also... understanding.

Once they reached the eight floor, Avis looked at the portrait which was also the door to Gryffindor dormitory. Andrei was not leaving yet and so wasn't she. Although she did not care much of the good byes or how they came out, she felt uncomfortable about leaving him there without any single word. Should she hug him? She knew that most of the girls did that after a date or a meeting or something that included fun time with someone. Those few hours in a tunnel were not necessarily fun and it was not the experience she'd like to repeat.
Or maybe they should shake hands and pretend that this today did not happen? She would make a face that she did not know anything about the secret passageway and he could simply go and be a jerk. Sounded like a plan in her head. Also an easy one.

"You do?" her expession reflected surprise. That was honestly unexpected. Without even noticing it Avis smiled. "I think we can manage that. But when and where... You have any suggestions?" She did not even know why she was up for this. They could end up having another fight, but hey...at least her life would get some action.

Andrei chuckled at her surprised expression. Why was what he said such a shock to her? He thought he was quite open and obvious with his desires. "Yes - wasn't I apparent enough?", he asked with another chuckle. Grinning at her answer, he was pleased at what he had heard. However, her next words did point out an issue Andrei didn't think of before. Where would they see each other again. "Certainly that tunnel isn't an option. In my mind at least. I hope you'll agree", he said with a laugh. Many places went through his mind but he didn't know which one would be the most suitable.

"How about Hogsmeade?", Andrei suggested. He didn't want their next meeting to have the whole dreary date atmosphere. After all, it wouldn't be truly a date. It was just the two of them hanging out. And what could be so wrong with that? Hogsmeade might have been the most obvious choice, but for him it was the best one as well. They could go out without the curious eyes of Hogwarts on them at all times. He wouldn't need to worry if a Slytherin or Gryffindor accidentaly saw them walking together. And hopefully, that will get all of the tension out between the two of them.

"What do you think? Or if you have any other place in mind", he said. He was opened to suggestions but doubted she would pick anything different. Hogwarts wasn't exactly famous for it's many private spots throughout the castle. Beyond Hogsmeade, there wasn't much else to choose from really. "This Saturday, eight pm", Andrei said giving himself the permission pick out the time as well.

Even though he was suggesting a date, he still knew how to act like a douche. That didn't bother her, though. Avis only rolled her eyes to show that his commentary did not affect her anyhow besides revealing her annoyance at this point.

Avis smiled. Tunnel. She'd gladly stay away from that place for a long while. Maybe after her claustrophobia will be worn off she'll return there, but that was mostly unlikely.
While Andrei was thinking about the places where they should meet, Avis wondered what Mina would've done if she'd knew about her little meeting with the Slytherin. She knew so much that her deceased twin sister would never ever allow such pureblood even stand next to her, not to talk about having a "date" with him. Mina would despise everything about Andrei; his family, his appearance. Even his eyes that looked like ice cold river in Avis' opinion.

And, clearly, Mina would never allow Andrei to leave the trophy room without a bruise or a wound that would lead him right into the hospital wing.

"Hosmeade sounds great!" she replied quickly, realizing that she had been thinking too much about Mina. Her eyes, still blurry of memories, traveled back to Andrei. Hogsmeade was indeed a great idea. It was a quiet place and there was only a small possibility that someone would see them and as far as she could see, both her and Andrei did not want to get detected by someone who did not have to know about their little meeting.

"Oh, so you're also punctual?" she teased him. "Alright then. It's settled. Make sure you won't be late, Dolohov. But as for now... I guess it is time to say our goodbyes?" The gryffindor raised her eyebrows. This part was the hardest. She was having a dilemma again. Should she hug him or simply leave the young man behind?

"Are you alright?", he asked with a worried tone in his voice, as he saw her thoughts rumble and her gaze zone out. He wanted to ask her what she was thinking for the sake of his own curiosity, but he dared not to, too afraid he would hear something unsuitable for his ears. He smiled at her cheerful response to his idea. He will try to avoid the most popular pubs in Hogsmeade and probably take her to a less known place. That way, they could avoid the usual dreary crowd that rounds up in the Three Broomsticks.

"Yes I am very punctual. And you better be as well", Andrei said with a playful smirk on his lips. "Oh is that a threat, Miss Summers?", he asked with a laugh, taking a step closer to her. "Or what will you do? Tie me up and keep me as your slave?", he asked through a loud chuckle, curious of her answer.

Again he was found himself in the same awkward situation as before, in the goodbye zone. His mind was jumping from hugging her, to giving her a kiss on the cheek to even shaking her hand. It was just plain chaotic. Then he did something he never thought he would, he remembered his father's words. For the first time, he was actually ready to use his father's advice on something other than how to hex your opponent in the first five seconds of a duel. He stepped up to her, bowed his head and placed a soft kiss on her hand. This was a traditional greeting and goodbye Andrei was thought to be proper in the pureblood circle. At this moment, he thought it was quite proper for the two of them as well.

"I guess it is time to say our goodbyes", said Andrei and gave her a wide smile. "Well then, I must be off. I will wait for you at the center square of Hogsmeade. Hopefully, I won't have to wait for too long", he said with a grin as he stepped away from her. With another flash of his smile, he bowed his head to her against and disappeared in the distance.

"Hmm?" Avis looked at him, meeting his concerned gaze. She examined him quickly, trying to understand if his worrying was faked or not. Much to her small disappointment, he indeed was slightly worried about her blurry gaze and silence. "Yes." That was kind of unusual, but she was thankful for his concern, even though it was sort of pointless in this case.

When he came a step closer, Avis had an urge to step back. Personal space issues. However, to prove to him that she could actually stand up for herself, and not only with wielding her wand, but also verbally, she looked up at him.
Was... was that a flirtation towards her? She did not mean her threat as a flirtation! Avis looked disappointed at first, but when he said the thing about slave, her eyes went wide. "Why would I want keep you as a slave?" She questioned. To be honest, she could not imagine Andrei Dolohov being her slave. She worked alone, and she studied alone. What would she have him to do? Carry her books or help boil some potions?

His next actions stunned her. Avis watched quietly how he bowed before her and kissed her hand. She was well taught; her father and mother made sure that she knew exactly how to act in certain situations, but this was not what she was trained for. Of course Andrei Dolohov was almost like a royality next to her bloodline. His family was well known and could influence many lives. What was Andrei's plan?
Avis was too shocked to respond the same polite way. She just stood there and started at Dolohov.

Once he stepped away, her eyes followed each of his movement. She was still skeptical towards him. Hexes and curses never came. Instead there was a nice good bye and Avis smiled at him. She stayed there for few minutes, watching as he disappeared into the darkness. Only when there was nothing to be seen in the corridors did she go into her dorm.