Olly could hear his stomach growling. That's how hungry he was. He may or may not have napped through lunch and that may or may not be the reason for his current hunger. At least he didn't have to wait for the next meal time to get a snack. He was hungry now, and he knew exactly where to go to take care of it. If the kitchens had been up several flights of stairs in one of the towers or something he might not have been as eager to make a trip. But seeing as he only had to come up from the dungeons, it was perfect.

Olly did the necessary pear tickling and slipped into the kitchen. Ah, what was that smell? Probably several things, seeing as it was the kitchen and the house elves were probably preparing for dinner. It all smelled so good. Olly wanted all of it. Except...that wasn't reasonable. What did he want?

It was late and Nana Ichihara was incredibly hungry as she stepped into the kitchens that late evening. it wasn't like her to be out this late unless she was patrolling the castle, but her hunger was deep, impossible to ignore and screaming for some Tensoba.

She just needed to grab the attention of one of those helpful little elves..

Alice skipped into the kitchen, excited to see the House Elves that would be in there. She might have made some friends last term. They gave her chocolates in exchange for a random sock or glove here and there and after a while it became more than just about the chocolate. She enjoyed seeing them and talking with them.

They all deserved hugs and to be told someone cared about them. So this was her mission, to go and send some love their way. Once there she stared to speak to one of them before realizing there was another student down there. He must have been there before her, she hadn't heard anyone come in after her. "Hi! I'm Alice." She couldn't remember if she met the boy or not.. he did look familiar though, but maybe she just saw him around?

It was late and James always came to the kitchen when it was late. Not many bothered to swing around this time, especially considering it was after hours and students were meant to be in bed. 'Meant to be' being the operative terms here because more often than not, students broke rules. But that was hardly the point, James Draper always came around the kitchen at this time of night because getting work done during sunny hours was becoming increasingly difficult when students insisted on office visits and peace was often interrupted by strange, routine Hogwarts occurrences.

So on the days when he still had a lot left to do come nightfall, he'd bring all the work over to the kitchens, grab a cup of strong tea and whatever else the house elves had to offer (normally it was a handful of dates), and sit down to grade papers. The place was quiet enough and the elves made things convenient.

Walking into the room, with his usual confident demeanor untouched, he looked to the nearest elf (knowing very well that their attention was difficult to capture if one just stood around waiting), "I'll have the usual," he grinned before turning to see--

Ah, who have we here? "Nana Ichihara," his tone one of amusement as he gave her a look up and down. Grin widening even more. "You're not normally down here this late," he noted, raising a brow. He'd give her a chance to explain before he commented on her appearance because Merlin help her if she thought that'd go unnoticed.

She had found the elf she'd been looking for. Tipsy was well versed in the preparation of Japanese cuisines and after he'd managed to make her some truly beautiful and delicious Yakitori last term, Nana had come to think of the elf as her own. It was a silly idea, not the sort she fostered, but whimsy was easy to slip into when you worked in a magical castle amongst magic creatures.

Having given the elf her order, Nana had taken to leaning against one of the counters as she sipped a cup of very strong green tea -with the slightest bit of lemon squeezed in- as she enjoyed the busy nature of her surroundings.

Unfortunately, she did not notice James Draper until the man announced his presence in usual fashion, and by then, it was much too late. She sighed softly, taking another long sip to fortify herself. "Hello James." Of all the kitchens in all the world, he'd had to wander into her own, hadn't he? And yet, a part of her found pleasure in his presence. "No, I usually prefer to be in bed around this time of night." - or in her office where there were no distractions or frustrating CoMC Professors to be found. - "But I found myself insatiably hungry... And so here I am." trapped, once again, in a weird situation with a colleague.

"I take it you venture down this way often." She said, drawing the conclusion from his particularly showing choice of words.

To be fair, if he really had all the kitchens in the world to choose from... He probably would've chosen one stocked with firewhiskey. But seeing at choices were limited, he'd settle for the one kitchen in the world where Nana Ichihara happened to be present. It was a fine second option. One that he wouldn't mind being an option more often, though he'd never admit that out loud.

He loved that he could get under her skin. It was perhaps what made this moment most enjoyable. Though, he wasn't doing it out of malice. He just liked those moments where she wasn't putting on the perfect, pristine, graceful front. It was refreshing to see her in those slight moments of chaos. 'Slight' being the correct word here because Nana was never unfazed for too long. Which made the challenge all the more fun. "That explains..." he managed to suppress the urge to chuckle, but couldn't withhold the amusement in his facial features. "the choice look for this evening," she looked as if she was ready for bed. Probably wasn't expecting to see anyone down here, which was great news for James.

"It's quieter at night," though he honestly didn't come down here much during the day, so that could've been incredibly incorrect. "And I don't normally have company," he grinned. Not complaining though. Not this time.

Grabbing his tea and the small plate of dates, he walked over to one of the nearby tables. "Care to join me?" Though it was a question, he was fully expecting her to walk right over... seeing as he was pulling out a chair for her. See, he was SUCH a gentleman.

Olly was still contemplating. This was a big decision. He was so focused on making it that he didn't even notice anyone else come in. Not until her heard her speak did he turn. How long had she been there? He was pretty sure there hadn't been anyone else when he'd arrived. His mission was briefly put on hold and he smiled.

"Hi. I'm Olly." She did look familiar. Had he talked to her before? Maybe. He knew he'd seen her around of course, like in lessons and such. Now that the introductions were taken care of, back to his mission. "I don't know what I want." He explained his predicament because if she was here too he might as well make conversation, but he couldn't really focus on anything else at the moment.

"Maybe a grilled cheese." He barely even realized he said that aloud. It was mostly for his own benefit, just thinking out loud. Grilled cheese did sound good. He wondered if he could ask a house else to make one for him or if he would have to do it himself.

Fiyero had been wandering the castle for a couple of hours, trying to find a place to do the second half of his Charms project. He was starting to give up; all the good places he thought of were taken! Maybe he shouldn't have spent so much time on that shooting star mural in the Gryffindor common room...

He wandered aimlessly down to the kitchens. He supposed there was no harm in grabbing a quick snack. Maybe some brain food would help him come up with something... "Hi, guys!" he greeted the house elves, poking his head into the kitchen, but they seemed too busy to notice him. Poor elves... slaving in the kitchens all day couldn't be much fun!

An idea suddenly occurred to Fiyero. He'd do the next part of his project right here in the kitchen! Maybe having something colorful to look at would cheer the house elves up... He pointed his wand at the far wall, taking extra care not to hit any house elves that might wander into his line of fire. Now what was that spell Professor Primeaux taught him to make polka dots again? Oh yeah..."Colorvaria punctum polka." He really hoped that worked; he'd never done that spell before!

He reluctantly looked up to see the wall to see it had turned yellow with turquoise polka dots, just like he'd planned. Whoa, he couldn't believe he got it right on the first try! He half-expected to accidentally set the place on fire or color one of the house elves or something like that. He scrutinized his work. The polka dots were nice, but he thought it needed something else. "Figura circle," he said, drawing a large circle with his wand, and a purple circle appeared on the wall.

Soon, Fiyero had covered the kitchen wall with circles in shades of purple, orange, green, and pink. Now he just had to fill them in; he pointed his wand at the nearest empty circle. "Colorvaria!" Filling in all those circles went fairly quickly, but when Fiyero stepped back to admire his handiwork, he wasn't exactly happy with it. It seemed lackluster compared to the grand display in the Gryffindor common room.

He knew what was missing; he'd forgotten to animate the circles. Duh! Fiyero raised his wand but had to quickly lower it as a house elf moved between his wand and the wall. Once the house elf was out of the way, he tried again. "Animatae!" Before long, the circles were bouncing up and down and all around. Now that was a fun drawing! He hoped the hose elves liked it...

Smiling, Esme listened to Isabella as they headed outside and down the kitchen corridor. "I like muggle sports too. Are you interested in Quidditch as well?" she asked curiously. Some people stuck strictly to wizarding sports, some strictly to muggle ones, and then there were people like her who enjoyed a combination of both. Obviously it came down to what people grew up with. Being a half blood, her family had grown up with BOTH magical and wizarding things.

Reaching the painting of a bowl of fruit, Esme paused. "Okay, what you have to do is tickle the green pear so that it squirms and laughs." As she spoke she did just that, causing a doorknob to appear. "And viola we are at the kitchens."

Opening the door, she looked around happily. It was always really nice to come here. "Looks like the elves have made muffins!" YUM. Happily she headed over to the counter, grabbing one for her and one for Isabella.

Isabella was practically skipping as she followed the older girl down the corridor to the kitchens. Oh good, Esme knew about Muggle sports. Isabella had previously tried and failed to explain hockey to other wizards she had met. Something about ice skating and hockey sticks just didn't handle Quidditch analogies very well. "Yes, I like Quidditch," Isabella said. "My parents took me and my brothers to local matches sometimes when we were younger. They taught us to fly in the backyard!"

Isabella frowned when they paused next to a painting. Why did the kitchen need to be hidden behind a hidden door? Maybe so the students would eat at mealtime? She giggled as the pear squirmed and the doorknob appeared. "That's really neat!" she said excitedly. Tickle the pear to get to the kitchens. Got it.

Following Esme into the kitchen, Isabella's eyes widened at the size of it. Sure, Hogwarts was big and needed lots of cooking to be done, but wooow! This was the biggest kitchen she'd ever seen! She barely even noticed the muffin Esme handed her, still staring around the kitchen as she took a bite. Mmm blueberry.

Pursed lips, brows raised, it was a perfect looks of questioning as James trailed off all while gesturing to this evenings pajama set. She wanted to scoff, but instead cleared her throat. It would do her well not to let him know that the mischievous glint in his eyes was in fact, tempting her to amusement. "My Pajamas." She paused, giving him a dry look. "You say that as if there's something wrong with them." These were silk, James Draper and had been tailored especially for her by a friend, they were anything but silly and yet... James made her feel as if she were wearing some outrageous costume.

Quieter at night you don't say? Nana never would have guessed! What a remarkable surprise. Ridiculous, Nana was too embarrassed annoyed to make her little quip aloud, she didn't ned to answer him, after all. Even if he was grinning at her and being quite personable for a James Draper. HMPH.

No, she would keep her pale pink lips shut tight until the House-elf returned with her food, then she'd bd the man goodnight and head off to bed- "I suppose." Who'd said that? Though the words had slipped past her own teeth and lips Nana was certain it hadn't been her decision to acquiesce to his dining request. She also seemed to find herself moving forward and sitting in the seat James had pulled out- WHAT WAS THIS, HAD SHE BEEN CONFOUNDED? no, no, she was just being polite sitting here with him as she waited. That was all. "Thank you, James." She said, straightening back and crossing one leg over the other. Having made herself quite comfortable, she glanced toward his little set up. "... Dates?" What an odd fruit choice.

Of course his intention was one of a playful, mocking nature. But he did have to admit, if anyone could pull off wearing a pajama set around the castle it would be Nana Ichihara. And she wore it well at that. He had no complaints. Aside from the fact that he didn't get to see them more often. That would be the one complaint. "Quite the opposite," and it was apparent that the smug grin he wore wouldn't leave his face any time soon. "In fact, I love them," again he let his eyes flick up and down.

Kneazles got your tongue, Nana? He was enjoying this far too much, wasn't he? Christmas had come early this year. And James would not be the one to let this opportunity go to waste.

For a moment he had worried she wouldn't follow him over to the table, but the thought left his head as soon as it had surfaced. Of course she would, he was James Draper and she was Nana Ichihara. As much as she loathed him, he knew he was her rock on staff the same way she was his. He watched as she walked over, enjoying the way she took her time to approach the table. Once she had sat, he walked to the other chair to take his own seat. And it seemed that tonight was full of surprises, he flashed a winning smile in return for her gratitude. "My pleasure," oh, how he was reveling in this.

As for the dates, "I didn't think you were one to go steady," the smug grin only grew, "But now that you're asking... For you, I'm free all week." Leaning back easily in his chair, he winked and took a bite of one of the sweet treats in mention. Only because he was in his element and she had walked herself straight into that one. Playfulness aside, he tipped the plate towards her. Did she care for one? A date and one of the fruits?

Nana wasn't blushing, her cheeks were warming from the heat of the kitchens which was causing them to flush a very nice light pink. Absolutely not blushing, she was absolutely not blushing while James playfully complimented her pajamas. "I'm not exactly sure you aren't completely teasing me, James." Nana replied, her tone just south of sarcastic. Just south because Nana wasn't sure a full sarcastic quip was altogether necessary at the moment, it wasn't completely impossible that the man wasn't trying to take the Mickey out of her. "It's rather late to be in your regular clothes, isn't it?" Perhaps he was on patrol duty for the night.

Improbable, highly unlikely, but not impossible.

As loath as she was to admit it, there were worst people to find herself suddenly sharing a meal with (some of them happened to be on staff)... And so far this wasn't the worst experience of her day... But then there had been so many times when Nana had let her guard down just enough for James to sink under her skin again, leaving her ruffled and frustrated..... Naturally his next words did just that. Mouth slightly agape, it took the Japanese Professor a moment before she could pull herself together enough to stare coolly at the man before her.

Flustered and still slightly flushed, Nana decided that it was time to give James a taste of his own medicine. He wasn't the only one who could tease and flirt, and taunt. She plucked a date, holding it between her dainty fingers as if he meant to inspect it. "All this week?" Nana said, a hint of a smirk on her lips. "In that case, why don't we go out friday? I don't have any plans all weekend... " She was certain that James would chicken out. He hated dating, he hated the idea of seeing the same woman twice. His words and actions were a game, another means to entertain himself during their meetings.

Nana Ichihara couldn't wait to see that smug grin replaced with a look of panic. She popped the date into her mouth. Tasted better than she'd expected.

James was having too much fun here. It was funny almost three whole months had flown by and yet this was perhaps one of the few times he was truly enjoying himself. It was easy here, leaving the masks behind. No need to sensor himself in front of Nana. ”Oh, that’s because I am teasing you,” he started, ”just not completely.” She could take whatever way she wanted, but he was still grinning especially at what she had to say next. ”You’re right…” he trailed off for only a second, ”But I don’t sleep in silk pajamas.” Her mind could do the rest of the math, yeah? Heh.

Had James looked away for even a few seconds, he would have missed Nana’s reaction to what he had said. Fortunately for James, there was nothing else keeping his focus. She had his undivided attention. And man, was he enjoying every second of it. Especially seeing the way she reacted to each and every one of his words. It was a beautiful thing, watching them faze her even if it were for only mere moments. He was so damn proud. And he wore it on his face in the form of a triumphant, smug look.

What he had been expecting to see next were the whites of her eyes and a frown. But she didn’t roll her eyes at all, instead… She went with it. WHAT?!?!?

W H A T.

It took all of a second for his face to pale and his eyes to widen in shock, the proud smirk slipping from his features. He still held on to the date he had been eating, willing himself to come up with something witty in return. It was a dangerous game they were playing now. But James couldn’t stand to lose. Even now that the prize consisted of dinner and drinks. Narrowing his eyes back to their norm, even slightly narrower than usual, he leaned forward so that he could lessen the distance between them. ”Friday….. Is perfect,” the last word rolled off his tongue with a rough edge.

And he could not believe what he had just done.

"Oh, so a silk nightgown then?" Nana said, her face completely impassive. He wasn't the only one quick-witted one, it just took Nana some time to get into that mindset, but once she did, well, she was sure she could hold her own against the CoMC professor. Reaching out for the tea pot, Nana poured herself a cup of tea. She shouldn't have been surprised by the color, after all, James was English and all they seemed to bleed black tea, but she was a bit disappointed. Well, it wasn't green, but it was tea and that was the important thing. Bringing the cup to her lips, Nana took a long sip, relishing the subtle flavor and the warmth it provided to her bones, it was quite chilly even with the fireplace and her silk pajamas did little to protect her from it.

But funnily enough, she was quite comfortable, despite their banter, and digging and even despite her frustration, Nana found that she was more at ease now in this moment than she had been all week. It was a nice relief, to let go and just... talk to someone she actually respected and held in good esteem. It was just too bad it had to be James Draper.

She wanted to kindly ask him to wipe that infuriatingly smug look from his visage, but it seemed her own previous words had just that effect. Her dark eyes glittered as James' seemed to widen. Ahhhh victory, it was sweeter than any dessert Nana had ever tasted... Except... There was a bitter tang to all this. She'd just used a date with herself as a threat, and it seemed to be have worked, was the idea of seeing her in a less formal setting really so disgusting? Nana didn't have much time to muse, for James had recovered and his next words threw the witch for a loop.

Friday... Is perfect.
No. No. She absolutely must have misheard him. "I'm sorry?" She blinked, her teacup posed infant of her lips, her dark eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. This was not happening, Nana absolutely refused to believe it. Damn him, he was supposed to have stepped down, not stepped up. Maybe if she stared at him long enough the man would realize what he'd said and hurriedly take it all back.

"How did you know?" a playful grin graced his lips, though he was disappointed in her lack of a reaction. A silk nightgown wasn't exactly the image he had been hoping to draw out for her imagination, but surely he'd look great in one of those too. So he decided to entertain her quip.

It was an interesting game the two of them were playing here sat at a table in the kitchens. It was almost as intense as a game of muggle tennis, even. Where the ball would fly from one side of the court to the other in constant oscillation. One wrong move from either player could result in losing the advantage. If this were tennis, James was losing at a score of Advantage Out. Which meant one more strike against him and he'd have thrown in the entire game.

Except much like the rest of the night, he was hit with another surprise. Or maybe it was Nana who had been hit with surprise this time, as her questioning tone bled of disbelief. And just like that the game was back at Deuce. At this point his only reasonable option was to keep it going. He couldn't risk the vulnerability that came along with being the disadvantaged player and the ball was in his court. It didn't help that Nana held him under an unrelenting gaze. "Friday is perfect," he repeated, with an inward, uncharacteristic panic. The ball was in play. "Unless you can't wait that long?" Fortunately, he had a strong backhand.

He leaned back in the back of his chair and popped the rest of the date into his mouth. Easy. That was too easy.

It was always nice to know that there were other people who liked both magical and muggle sports; sometimes Esme felt like her family was an exception though of course there were several halfbloods around Hogwarts. She and Juno were far from being the only ones. "That's lovely. Do you have a favourite team and position?" Personally she always wanted to be a Seeker but didn't think that she was good enough to hold the position. She was no Harry Potter that was for sure.

But whatever.

They were enjoying muffins and Isabella was getting her first real look at the Hogwarts kitchens. She smiled as she looked at her young friend. The wonder in her eyes was adorable. "Pretty amazing, huh?" Esme was really going to miss this place when she graduated.

Torie somehow followed someone into the kitchens looking for gold. He kept mumbling over and over find gold as he walked slowly around searching. His face was blank as he walked, not really noticing anyone there, just looking for shinies. Something shiny, pretty and gold. He needed to find it. Necklace.... he mumbled as he looked nearly walking into someone.

Hady hadn't meant to bake sooooo much. Once she had gotten started though she just couldn't help it. Cookies, cupcakes, pies and other candies. It was the holiday that did this to her. Every single year she went over board on the baking and this year was no different. Well maybe it was, baking helped to keep her busy which she needed this year.

So as it was before going home for the holiday the Slytherin made her way towards the kitchen levitating plates of tasty treats in front of her herself.After tickling the pear she carefully set the plates on an empty table with a small note that simple read...

Checking the snacks and note Hady took out a small bag containing different flavors of candy canes which she knew a certain young house elf really liked. With a small grin she then walked out silently hoping that theyou enjoyed their gift.

Tippins is in kitchens, Tippins sees notes and Candies!! Tippins looks arounds he does, no masters heres.

Tipping starts to eats the yumminess

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nymphadoraliz

Torie somehow followed someone into the kitchens looking for gold. He kept mumbling over and over find gold as he walked slowly around searching. His face was blank as he walked, not really noticing anyone there, just looking for shinies. Something shiny, pretty and gold. He needed to find it. Necklace.... he mumbled as he looked nearly walking into someone.

Scarlett was HUNGRY. She was really craving a cupcake, and since she'd been good and done yoga today, she decided that she totally deserved it. She walked into the kitchens and noticed that one of the elves was nibbling on some treats nearby...whatever, not important to her. WHERE were the cupcakes?

Just when she thought she located it...she noticed a guy nearby, someone that she knew was from her house but whose name she couldn't remember, and he seemed to be acting...odd. He was mumbling to himself but Scarlett couldn't make out what he was saying. Something seemed off about him. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was just...weird.

"Hey, dude, you ok?" she asked him, tapping him on the shoulder.

Gold.....he needed gold.... Torie stumbled around not really noticing anyone around him as he searched for his shinies. "Find gold..." he mumbled not even noticing the tap on his shoulder but his dull eyes were searching. He stopped when his foot hit the edge of the chair in front of him and as he turned he spotted the shinies on the poor girl who had tapped him on the shoulder just moments before. "GOOOOLD!" he mumbled louder as his hands moved up reaching towards her as he stumbled slowly her way.

He'd found a shiny! He needed his shiny!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nymphadoraliz

Gold.....he needed gold.... Torie stumbled around not really noticing anyone around him as he searched for his shinies. "Find gold..." he mumbled not even noticing the tap on his shoulder but his dull eyes were searching. He stopped when his foot hit the edge of the chair in front of him and as he turned he spotted the shinies on the poor girl who had tapped him on the shoulder just moments before. "GOOOOLD!" he mumbled louder as his hands moved up reaching towards her as he stumbled slowly her way.

He'd found a shiny! He needed his shiny!

Gold? What? The guy didn't even seem to notice her tapping on his shoulder, which was a red flag, and Scarlett was starting to think something was seriously wrong when things got really WEIRD really fast.

He was trying to reach for her earrings, which meant his hands were getting dangerously close to her FACE. They weren't even real gold, but still, BOUNDARIES, MAN! Eyes bugging out of her head, she stepped back and slapped his hands away from her. "Oi, get off! What's wrong with you?!" she asked him, even though she was pretty certain at this point the boy wouldn't - or couldn't - answer her question.

Find Eggs here Yes? She would find them here?

Azura needed eggs for the song.. Pretty Song.. Needed to please it..Needed to please pretty glow..

Now.. Eggsssss? Azura find eggs? Azura neeeeeddd eggs.. Give them to her!

Now!!

Come to Azura pretty pretty eggs..

Where are you? Why are you hiding from Azura?