As Gwen went to sleep that night she had only one thought on her mind: how to tell Harry about her feelings for Graves. Since she'd already told him about her earlier doubts it seemed only fair to explain to him the final outcome of the situation.
She was falling in love with a seventh year Slytherin named Corwin Graves.
"Harry." She began softly when she finally found a moment to have him to herself in the common room.
He gazed at her with mixed emotion, but Gwen only saw confusion in his bright green eyes.
"I want to tell you how I feel." She said. "I think I've sorted out my feelings."
"I know. I heard about you kissing that seventh year."
"Oh Harry." She said with a rush of emotion.
"I just want to know one thing." He said.
"Anything."
"What made you choose him over me?"
She took a moment before beginning. "It's a lot of things Harry. I'm not really sure. I'm really terrified of..." She trailed off. She couldn't tell Harry she was terrified of him.
He waited patiently. He really wanted to just jump up and scream, but he would rather hear it from her than some other person pushing gossip through Gryffindor house.
"You know Harry," she said with tears welling up in her eyes. "I feel the same for you as I do for Corwin. I love you so much, but it's easier with him." She hesitated again. "Maybe someday..."
He took her hand, wanting so badly to change her mind. He knew that if she did it wouldn't be anytime soon. She was right, it would be easier with Corwin. He gave her a heroic grin and through his own rising emotions said: "can I ask you a huge favor?"
"Of course." She said quietly.
"I want just one kiss from you. After that we can be the best of friends, but I just want this one thing from you before you� Just one kiss."
Before she could answer an owl swooped down and dropped a letter on Harry's lap.
"It's Hedwig." Gwen said softly, petting the owl lovingly.
Harry opened the letter, perused its contents and blanched slightly.
"Harry?"
"I have to go Gwen, it's urgent. Please, just give my request consideration." With that he walked quickly out of the common room leaving Gwen to think about just one kiss.